**Bournemouth Council Under Fire for “Fence Sitting” Over Twinning Proposal**
A councillor has accused the local authority of being indecisive over a proposal to end a 30-year twinning arrangement between Bournemouth, England and Netanya, Israel. The criticism comes after a motion was brought by Green Party councillors Joe Salmon and Kate Salmon, who were backed by over 2,525 residents who signed a petition calling for the relationship to be ended due to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The council meeting on July 22 saw members vote to amend the motion, effectively taking no position on the twinning arrangement. This decision has been met with anger from councillors Joe and Kate Salmon, who have accused the council of “fence sitting” over a matter that they believe requires decisive leadership.
**A History of Tension**
The twinning agreement between Bournemouth and Netanya dates back to 1995. However, since the beginning of the Gaza war in 2008, there have been repeated incidents of road signs indicating the twinning being removed from Bournemouth streets. The Israeli military launched an offensive in Gaza as a response to the Hamas attack on southern Israel that took place on October 7, 2023.
**Council’s Delayed Response**
The council has come under fire for delaying its decision while seeking legal advice on which constitution should decide the outcome. In their place, members voted to suspend all support for twinning arrangements and remove road signs until circumstances can be reviewed after the war in Gaza. However, this decision has been met with criticism from councillors who believe that it does not go far enough.
**Councillors at Odds**
Christchurch and Poole Council cabinet minister Andy Martin defended the council’s decision, stating that it reflected a commitment to civic friendship and cultural exchange between Bournemouth and Netanya. However, councillor Joe Salmon countered by saying that this was “an open invitation for vandalism” and accused the council of failing to show decisive leadership.
**A Call for Decision-Making**
Councillor Joe Salmon called on the council to make a final decision regarding the twinning arrangement. He stated that the council has a responsibility to make a clear stance on the issue, either by publicly aligning with Netanya or withdrawing civic endorsements. This call for decisive leadership has been echoed by both supporters and opponents of the twinning arrangement.
**A Response from Council**
The amendment passed by the council states that it is neither the role of BCP councillors to support nor condemn events occurring in the area. While the council will continue to maintain existing signage, they will not fund replacement signage. This decision has been met with criticism from councillor Joe Salmon who believes that it does not go far enough.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
