Board of Deputies CEO urges Manchester to reject ‘divisive’ Palestinian flag proposal

The Board of Deputies has expressed concern ahead of a debate in Manchester on February 11 at which the city council will debate whether to fly the Palestinian flag over the town hall

Board of Deputies chief executive Gillian Merron said: “At a time when almost the entire Middle East is in turmoil it is extremely important that conflict in the region is not imported onto our streets and council chambers here in the UK.

“The Board stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish communities in Leicester, Nottingham, Manchester and elsewhere in their long-standing commitment to promote civic harmony in their cities.

“Local authorities are the guardians of good community relations. We ask them to reject deeply divisive, negative and one-sided initiatives. Councils should engage positively in a way which brings their communities together and not drive them apart.”