'Over the top’ security at Walsall council meeting on Gaza ceasefire slammed by party leader
The leader of Walsall’s Independent party has described the ‘over the top’ security measures at a council meeting as an impediment on democracy.
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At the meeting on January 13, 2024, security guards and community protection officers were deployed at the council house, the car park was closed, councillors were provided an alternative access, and 70 percent of the public gallery was cordoned off with black tarpaulin, meaning only 16 people could watch from the two back rows.
Around 40 other members of the public were seated in a separate conference room where the meeting was live streamed.
The council put the additional measures in place in response to Notice of Motion which was being brought before members to address the conflict in the Middle East.
The motion asked elected council members to express solidarity with the people of the region amid the current unrest.
The last time Gaza was brought before council members was in February 2024.
The meeting was abandoned when protesters calling for a ceasefire interrupted the usual proceedings.
Leader of the Independent party, councillor Aftab Nawaz, said: “The security is over the top. The security is intimidating and not welcoming.
