Pro Palestine demonstrators were removed from a Camden Town Hall meeting after protesting council rules.
The council claimed efficiency drove the changes. They also cited concern for councillors’ wellbeing. One councillor said the changes protect discussion and ensure focus on important resident issues; these changes also safeguard councillor mental health.
The public heckled at the plan’s unveiling. Some Labour councillors also felt uneasy. One asked if they risked their spirit and wondered if they overreacted to a few protestors.
A Liberal Democrat leader called it “chilling.” He said banners are a valid form of protest and admitted some banners could be offensive. However, he didn’t see cause for a total ban.
Protesters displayed flags and shouted during the meeting. A council leader said the rules are limited to stop people from abusing the system. He wants councillors to help Camden residents.
One resident said Gaza issues affect them, while another said the council was protecting Zionism. The mayor asked councillors to leave, and police escorted protesters out of the building. A similar event occurred last year with banners.
One councillor told a story about needing protection and mentioned a knife threat at a meeting. He said people exploit the Gaza situation and claimed he heard antisemitic and racist remarks.
A group said the council avoids public review due to accountability concerns. The council passed the proposals, and opposition asked for a recorded vote for transparency. One member may not have voted because of this.