City Councillors unite in support

Elected members at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have united in sorrow for the events taking place in Israel and Gaza at a full council meeting yesterday afternoon (October 19).

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Councillor Daniel Jellyman, leader of the Stoke-on-Trent Conservative group, Councillor Amjid Wazir, deputy leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Councillor Majid Khan, the Lord Mayor for Stoke-on-Trent and ward councillors Waseem Akbar, Tabrase Din, Faisal Hussain, Sadaqat Maqsoom, Mubsira Aumir and Javid Najmi jointly said: “We, alongside fellow councillors and residents of our city, have been watching events unfold in horror and disbelief. Residents of all creeds and of none are horrified at the loss of life in Israel and in Gaza.

“It is important at these difficult times that we draw together to support each other and our sympathies and support go out to all residents of our city who have been affected by the events of the last few weeks.

“In Stoke-on-Trent we are fortunate to enjoy strong community cohesion in our city and together with officers, the police and other key partners we are working actively to ensure that cohesion is maintained and not threatened.

“It is important we remember that innocent people have lost their lives in Gaza and in Israel.”

All councillors then stood in solidarity in support of the statement and took part in an act of remembrance with a one-minute silence.