Agenda item

Notice of Administration Business

(time limit 30 minutes)

 

Motion 1

To be moved by Councillor Shah

Seconded by: Councillor Birch

 

This Council calls for a lasting peace in Palestine & Israel

The loss of civilian life in Palestine and Israel since October is intolerable, Save the Children estimates that over twelve-thousand children have died in Gaza since the start of this conflict.

 

The conflict has had a deep and emotional impact on many Oldhamers, some of whom may have friends or relatives in the region.

 

Whilst this Council is limited in our ability to affect change in foreign policy, we have a duty to express the concerns of our residents.

 

This Council Notes:

·         that the House of Commons passed a resolution backing calls for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages.

·         that members of this Council, led by the Mayor Cllr Dr Zahid Chauhan and Leaders of all Political Groups, called for a ceasefire in early November.

·         the international community is increasingly backing calls for a ceasefire and welcomes comments in this regard by the UK Foreign Secretary and US President but recognises that words are not enough, and Palestinian civilians need urgent action to prevent further loss of life.

·         the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures and expresses concerns at reports that Israel has failed to comply with this ruing.

·         that Tell MAMA recorded over 2,000 incidents of anti-muslim hatred since October 7th – the largest volume of cases recorded in four months since Tell MAMA was founded in 2011.

·         that the Community Safety Trust recorded 2,699 incidents of anti-Jewish hate between October 7th and the end of the year – totalling two-thirds of all incidents reported in 2023.  

 

This Council:

·         condemns the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on 7th October 2023.

·         reiterates calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, observed by all sides, to allow urgent aid into Gaza.

·         urges all international powers to work together to establish a diplomatic process to deliver the peace of a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.

·         recognises that a Palestinian state is key to lasting peace in the region, and that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and not in the gift of any neighbour.

 

This Council further:

·         resolves to support the Oldham Interfaith Forum and Community Safety Partnership to combat any incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism in Oldham.

·         supports diplomatic efforts to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief is provided in Gaza.

·         regrets that previous attempts to pass a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council have failed.

Believes an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah risks catastrophic humanitarian consequences and must not take place.

 

Motion 2

To be moved by Councillor Taylor

Seconded by: Councillor Holly Harrison

 

Bee Network

Bus deregulation was a failed experiment. Passengers lost out and vital public transport routes were lost.

 

Once Tranche 2 of bus franchising in Greater Manchester launches at the end of March over half of Greater Manchester buses will be under local control.

 

In August 2022, Greater Manchester became the first major city outside of London to introduce a cap on bus fares, prices for adults were capped at £2 a journey or £5 a day, and £1 for journey or £2.50 a day for children under 16.

 

This Council:

·         believes public transport should be run in the interest of public good and to the benefit of the communities it serves, not private profit.

·         welcomes the arrival of the second phase of Greater Manchester’s bus franchising in Oldham on March 24th.

·         further welcomes bus improvements including more frequent buses, more reliable buses, a commitment to improve performance to benefit residents and to make buses safer by increasing the number of TravelSafe Officers on the Bee Network by 30

·         supports plans to full integrate Greater Manchester’s Public Transport System by January 2025.

 

This Council resolves:

a.     To work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester, via the Bee Network Committee, to improve bus services for all Oldham residents.

b.     To ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester and thank him for his commitment to bringing buses in the city-region back into public control as well as efforts to make public transport in Greater Manchester more affordable.

Minutes:

Motion 1: This Council calls for a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel

Immediately prior to this Motion being moved and seconded, the Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Sheldon, addressed Council outlining his Group’s concerns regarding the legality of this Motion. Accordingly, Councillor Sheldon and the other Conservative group Councillors present (Councillors Adams, Arnott, Byrne, Lancaster, Quigg, Sharp and Woodvine) withdrew from the meeting during the consideration and determination of this Motion.

 

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Birch SECONDED the following Motion:

 

The loss of civilian life in Palestine and Israel since October is intolerable, Save the Children estimates that over twelve-thousand children have died in Gaza since the start of this conflict.

The conflict has had a deep and emotional impact on many Oldhamers, some of whom may have friends or relatives in the region.

Whilst this Council is limited in our ability to affect change in foreign policy, we have a duty to express the concerns of our residents.

 

This Council Notes:

·         That the House of Commons passed a resolution backing calls for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages.

·         That, members of this Council, led by the Mayor Cllr Dr Zahid Chauhan and Leaders of all Political Groups, called for a ceasefire in early November.

·         The international community is increasingly backing calls for a ceasefire and welcomes comments in this regard by the UK Foreign Secretary and US President but recognises that words are not enough, and Palestinian civilians need urgent action to prevent further loss of life.

·         The International Court of Justice’s provisional measures and expresses concerns at reports that Israel has failed to comply with this ruling.

·         That Tell MAMA recorded over 2,000 incidents of anti-muslim hatred since October 7th – the largest volume of cases recorded in four months since Tell MAMA was founded in 2011.

·         That the Community Safety Trust recorded 2,699 incidents of anti-Jewish hate between October 7th and the end of the year – totalling two-thirds of all incidents reported in 2023.  

 

This Council:

·         Condemns the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on 7th October 2023.

·         Reiterates calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, observed by all sides, to allow urgent aid into Gaza.

·         Urges all international powers to work together to establish a diplomatic process to deliver the peace of a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.

·         Recognises that a Palestinian state is key to lasting peace in the region, and that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and not in the gift of any neighbour.

 

This Council further:

·         Resolves to support the Oldham Interfaith Forum and Community Safety Partnership to combat any incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism in Oldham.

·         Supports diplomatic efforts to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief is provided in Gaza.

·         Regrets that previous attempts to pass a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council have failed.

·         Believes an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah risks catastrophic humanitarian consequences and must not take place.

 

1st AMENDMENT

Councillor Al-Hamdani MOVED and Councillor Harkness SECONDED the following AMENDMENT

 

This Council calls for a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. The loss of civilian life in Palestine and Israel since October is intolerable, Save the Children estimates that over twelve-thousand children have died in Gaza since the start of this conflict.

The conflict has had a deep and emotional impact on many Oldhamers, some of whom may have friends or relatives in the region.

Whilst this Council is limited in our ability to affect change in foreign policy, we have a duty to express the concerns of our residents.

 

This Council Notes:

·         That the House of Commons passed a resolution backing calls for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages.

·         That, members of this Council, led by the Mayor Cllr Dr Zahid Chauhan and Leaders of all Political Groups, called for a ceasefire in early November.

·         The international community is increasingly backing calls for a ceasefire and welcomes comments in this regard by the UK Foreign Secretary and US President but recognises that words are not enough, and Palestinian civilians need urgent action to prevent further loss of life.

·         The International Court of Justice’s provisional measures and expresses concerns at reports that Israel has failed to comply with this ruling.

·         That Tell MAMA recorded over 2,000 incidents of anti-muslim hatred since October 7th – the largest volume of cases recorded in four months since Tell MAMA was founded in 2011.

·         That the Community Safety Trust recorded 2,699 incidents of anti-Jewish hate between October 7th and the end of the year – totalling two-thirds of all incidents reported in 2023.

 

This Council:

·         Condemns the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on 7th October 2023 and the taking of hostages.

·         Condemns the scale of the Israeli military actions in Gaza where they have targeted civilian infrastructure, and not adhered to international law by making a clear distinction between military and civilian targets; and for imposing a total siege on the civilian population Gaza denying them adequate supplies of food, water, medicines and power.

·         Reiterates calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, observed by all sides, to allow urgent aid into Gaza, and secure the release of hostages and detainees. Page 3.

·         Urges all international powers to work together to establish a diplomatic process to deliver the peace of a two-state solution, the creation of a viable Palestinian state, the two states living side by side in peace and security.

·         Recognises that a Palestinian state is key to lasting peace in the region, and that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and not in the gift of any neighbour.

 

This Council further:

·         Resolves to support the Oldham Interfaith Forum and Community Safety Partnership to combat any incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism in Oldham.

·         Supports diplomatic efforts to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief is provided in Gaza.

·         Regrets that previous attempts to pass a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council have failed.

·         Believes an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah risks catastrophic humanitarian consequences and must not take place.

 

On being put to the VOTE the 1st AMENDMENT was CARRIED.

 

2nd AMENDMENT

Councillor Ghafoor MOVED and Councillor Wahid SECONDED the following AMENDMENT.

 

The loss of civilian life in Palestine and Israel since October is intolerable, Save the Children estimates that over twelve-thousand children have been killed in Gaza since the start of this conflict.

The conflict has had a deep and emotional impact on many Oldhamers, some of whom may have friends or relatives in the region.

Whilst this Council is limited in our ability to affect change in foreign policy, we have a duty to express the concerns of our residents.

 

This Council Notes:

·         That the House of Commons passed a resolution backing calls for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages.

·         That, members of this Council, led by the Mayor Cllr Dr Zahid Chauhan and Leaders of all Political Groups, called for a ceasefire in early November.

·         As the occupying power, under international law, Israel has a clear obligation to ensure the basic needs of Gaza’s population are met.

·         The international community is increasingly backing calls for a ceasefire and welcomes comments in this regard by the UK Foreign Secretary and US President but recognises that words are not enough, and Palestinian civilians need urgent action to prevent further loss of life. ? the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures and expresses concerns at reports that Israel has failed to comply with this ruling.

·         According to Human Rights Watch, Israel’s policies in the occupied territories amount to apartheid and persecution, both crimes against humanity.

·         The UN, Human Rights Watch, and humanitarian organisations have warned that starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is being used in Gaza. Starvation of the civilian population is illegal under International Humanitarian Law, and in direct breach of UNSC Resolution 2417.

·         That Tell MAMA recorded over 2,000 incidents of anti-muslim hatred since October 7th – the largest volume of cases recorded in four months since Tell MAMA was founded in 2011.

·         That the Community Safety Trust recorded 2,699 incidents of anti-Jewish hate between October 7th and the end of the year – totalling two-thirds of all incidents reported in 2023.

 

This Council:

·         Condemns the killing of 234 Palestinian in the West Bank by the state of Israel in the calendar year 2023 which preceded the attack carried out by Hamas on 7th October 2023.

·         Condemns the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on 7th October 2023.

·         Condemns all acts of collective punishment which is prohibited under international law and amounts to a war crime including the statement made by leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer when he shared his belief in an LBC radio interview on October 11th that Israel had the right to continue bombing Gaza and cutting off electricity and water to its population of over 2 million people.

·         Reiterates calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, observed by all sides, to allow urgent aid into Gaza.

·         Urges all international powers to work together to establish a diplomatic process to deliver the peace of a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.

·         Recognises that a Palestinian state is key to lasting peace in the region, and that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and not in the gift of any neighbour.

 

This Council further:

·         Resolves to support the Oldham Interfaith Forum and Community Safety Partnership to combat any incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism in Oldham.

·         Resolves to support any action taken by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following Israel’s actions in Gaza which the ICJ has said places the civilian population at imminent risk of genocide.

·         Share details of Save the Children’s Stand with children open letter campaign calling for a ceasefire with every school in Oldham.

·         Supports diplomatic efforts to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief is provided in Gaza.

·         Regrets that previous attempts to pass a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council have failed.

·         Believes an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah risks catastrophic humanitarian consequences and must not take place.

 

A recorded vote, in line with the Regulations was then taken on the AMENDMENT as follows:

 

COUNCILLOR

 

COUNCILLOR

 

Adams Christine

ABSENT

Hussain Junaid

AGAINST

Akhtar Shoab

AGAINST

Hussain Sajed

AGAINST

Al-Hamdani Sam

FOR

Ibrahim Nyla

AGAINST

Ali Mohon

AGAINST

Iqbal Nadeem

AGAINST

Arnott Dave

ABSENT

Irfan Muhammed

FOR

Ball Sandra

FOR

Islam Mohammed Nazrul

AGAINST

Bashforth Marie

AGAINST

Jabbar Abdul

AGAINST

Bashforth Steven

AGAINST

Kenyon Mark

FOR

Birch Ros

AGAINST

Lancaster Luke

ABSENT

Bishop Helen

FOR

Malik Abdul

AGAINST

Brownridge Barbara

AGAINST

Marland Alicia

FOR

Byrne Pam

ABSENT

McLaren Colin

AGAINST

Charters Josh

AGAINST

Moores Eddie (Deputy Mayor)

AGAINST

Cosgrove Angela

AGAINST

Murphy Dave

FOR

Davis Peter

AGAINST

Mushtaq Shaid

AGAINST

Dean Peter

AGAINST

Nasheen Umar

AGAINST

Fryer Paul

AGAINST

Quigg Lewis

ABSENT

Ghafoor Kamran

FOR

Rea Lucia

FOR

Gloster Hazel

FOR

Salamat Ali Aqeel

AGAINST

Goodwin Chris

AGAINST

Shah Arooj

AGAINST

Hamblett Louie

FOR

Sharp Beth

ABSENT

Harkness Garth

FOR

Sheldon Graham

ABSENT

Harrison Holly

AGAINST

Shuttleworth Graham

AGAINST

Harrison Jennifer

AGAINST

Surjan Ruji Sapna

AGAINST

Hince Marc

FOR

Sykes Howard

FOR

Hindle Neil

APOLOGIES

Taylor Elaine

AGAINST

Hobin Brian

FOR

Wahid Abdul

FOR

Hurley Maggie

FOR

Williamson Diane

FOR

Hussain Aftab

AGAINST

Woodvine Max

ABSENT

Hussain Fida

AGAINST

Chauhan Zahid (MAYOR)

APOLOGIES

.

On a recorded VOTE being taken 18 VOTES were cast in FAVOUR of the AMENDMENT with 32 VOTES cast AGAINST and there were  0 ABSTENTIONS. The AMENDMENT was therefore LOST.

 

A recorded vote, in line with the Regulations was then taken on the MOTION AS AMENDED as follows:

 

 

COUNCILLOR

 

COUNCILLOR

 

Adams Christine

ABSENT

Hussain Junaid

FOR

Akhtar Shoab

FOR

Hussain Sajed

FOR

Al-Hamdani Sam

FOR

Ibrahim Nyla

FOR

Ali Mohon

FOR

Iqbal Nadeem

FOR

Arnott Dave

ABSENT

Irfan Muhammed

FOR

Ball Sandra

AGAINST

Islam Mohammed Nazrul

FOR

Bashforth Marie

FOR

Jabbar Abdul

FOR

Bashforth Steven

FOR

Kenyon Mark

FOR

Birch Ros

FOR

Lancaster Luke

ABSENT

Bishop Helen

FOR

Malik Abdul

FOR

Brownridge Barbara

FOR

Marland Alicia

FOR

Byrne Pam

ABSENT

McLaren Colin

FOR

Charters Josh

FOR

Moores Eddie (Deputy Mayor)

FOR

Cosgrove Angela

FOR

Murphy Dave

FOR

Davis Peter

FOR

Mushtaq Shaid

FOR

Dean Peter

FOR

Nasheen Umar

FOR

Fryer Paul

FOR

Quigg Lewis

ABSENT

Ghafoor Kamran

FOR

Rea Lucia

FOR

Gloster Hazel

FOR

Salamat Ali Aqeel

FOR

Goodwin Chris

FOR

Shah Arooj

FOR

Hamblett Louie

FOR

Sharp Beth

ABSENT

Harkness Garth

FOR

Sheldon Graham

ABSENT

Harrison Holly

FOR

Shuttleworth Graham

FOR

Harrison Jennifer

FOR

Surjan Ruji Sapna

FOR

Hince Marc

AGAINST

Sykes Howard

FOR

Hindle Neil

APOLOGIES

Taylor Elaine

FOR

Hobin Brian

FOR

Wahid Abdul

FOR

Hurley Maggie

FOR

Williamson Diane

FOR

Hussain Aftab

FOR

Woodvine Max

ABSENT

Hussain Fida

FOR

Chauhan Zahid (MAYOR)

APOLOGIES

.

On a recorded VOTE being taken 48 VOTES were cast in FAVOUR of the MOTION AS AMENDED with 2 VOTES cast AGAINST and there were 0 ABSTENTIONS. The MOTION AS AMENDED was therefore CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED:

This Council:

1.    Condemns the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on 7th October 2023 and the taking of hostages.

2.    Condemns the scale of the Israeli military actions in Gaza where they have targeted civilian infrastructure, and not adhered to international law by making a clear distinction between military and civilian targets; and for imposing a total siege on the civilian population Gaza denying them adequate supplies of food, water, medicines and power.

3.    Reiterates calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, observed by all sides, to allow urgent aid into Gaza, and secure the release of hostages and detainees. Page 3.

4.    Urges all international powers to work together to establish a diplomatic process to deliver the peace of a two-state solution, the creation of a viable Palestinian state, the two states living side by side in peace and security.

5.    Recognises that a Palestinian state is key to lasting peace in the region, and that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and not in the gift of any neighbour.

6.    Resolves to support the Oldham Interfaith Forum and Community Safety Partnership to combat any incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism in Oldham.

7.    Supports diplomatic efforts to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief is provided in Gaza.

8.    Regrets that previous attempts to pass a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council have failed.

9.    Believes an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah risks catastrophic humanitarian consequences and must not take place.

 

 

Motion 2: Bee Network

Councillor Taylor MOVED and Councillor H. Harrison SECONDED the following Motion:

 

Bus deregulation was a failed experiment. Passengers lost out and vital public transport routes were lost.

Once Tranche 2 of bus franchising in Greater Manchester launches at the end of March over half of Greater Manchester buses will be under local control.

In August 2022, Greater Manchester became the first major city outside of London to introduce a cap on bus fares, prices for adults were capped at £2 a journey or £5 a day, and £1 for journey or £2.50 a day for children under 16.

 

This Council:

·         believes public transport should be run in the interest of public good and to the benefit of the communities it serves, not private profit.

·         welcomes the arrival of the second phase of Greater Manchester’s bus franchising in Oldham on March 24th.

·         further welcomes bus improvements including more frequent buses, more reliable buses, a commitment to improve performance to benefit residents and to make buses safer by increasing the number of TravelSafe Officers on the Bee Network by 30.

·         supports plans to full integrate Greater Manchester’s Public Transport System by January 2025.

 

This Council resolves:

a.     To work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester, via the Bee Network Committee, to improve bus services for all Oldham residents.

b.     To ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester and thank him for his commitment to bringing buses in the city-region back into public control as well as efforts to make public transport in Greater Manchester more affordable.

 

On being put to the vote the MOTION was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Council continues to work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester, via the Bee Network Committee, to improve bus services for all Oldham residents.

2.    That the Leader of the Council be requested to write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester and thank him for his commitment to bringing buses in the city-region back into public control as well as efforts to make public transport in Greater Manchester more affordable.

Supporting documents: