Councillors around the country have announced their backing for the Jewish Manifesto for Local Government which has been released by the Board of Deputies ahead of next week’s local elections.
The Manifesto covers issues ranging from community safety to social care, housing and planning to Israel. Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat groups on Barnet, Bury and Cheltenham councils are among the first to have backed the Manifesto’s summary Ten Commitments.
Key asks in the Manifesto – summarised in its #TenCommitments section – include full implementation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism, ensuring residents can access faith and culturally sensitive services and working with local communities to celebrate and commemorate Jewish religious and cultural events.
Leader of Barnet Conservative Group and Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Daniel Thomas said:
“I am thrilled to back the Board of Deputies’ Ten Commitments and the Jewish Manifesto for Local Government on behalf of Barnet Conservatives. We will continue to work to make sure Barnet remains the best place in the country for Jewish communities to work, pray and raise a family.”
Leader of Bury Labour Group and Leader of Bury Council, Councillor Eamonn O’Brien said:
“I am pleased to support this important Jewish Manifesto for local government. As Leader of Bury Council I am committed to implementing its recommendations in full.”
Leader of Cheltenham Liberal Democrat Group and Leader of Cheltenham council, Councillor Rowena Hay said:
“‘I’m delighted to endorse the Board of Deputies’ Ten Commitments. Cheltenham Borough Council enjoys strong relationships with our local faith communities and we’re glad to open a dialogue about how we can ensure the Jewish Community represented and heard.”
Board of Deputies of British Jews Vice President Amanda Bowman said: “We really appreciate the support we are receiving from councillors across political parties and the country in their backing of the Board of Deputies of British Jews’ Jewish Manifesto for Local Government. We thank you for their support and look forward to working with you to ensure that the UK continues to be a great place to be Jewish.
“This Manifesto will help local communities engage with their councillors and ensure their voice is heard.”
The full list of local parties which have endorsed the Manifesto as of today is as follows:
Barnet – Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats
Bury – Conservative, Labour Liberal Democrats
Camden – Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens
Redbridge – Conservative, Labour
Glasgow – Conservative
Harrow – Labour
Cheltenham – Liberal Democrats
St Albans – Liberal Democrats
Watford – Liberal Democrats