Hackney’s Labour Council tonight voted against immediate action to start the process of local divestment from companies profiting from Israel’s genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.  Instead they amended a motion brought by the Independent Socialist and Green Groups, which puts off any formal acknowledgment of the Israeli Genocide until January 2026 at the earliest. 

Hackney Green’s Candidate for the Mayoral race in the borough next Spring, Councillor Zoë Garbett (Dalston Ward), said, “We’ve always acknowledged that divestment is not an easy process but it is essential, which is why the sooner we get cracking with a clear timetable for responsible alternative pension fund investment, the better. In effect, the Labour Council has now put off any meaningful action under this administration.“

Councillor Claudia Turbet-Delof (Victoria Ward), co-leader of the Hackney Independent Socialists, tabled the original motion. She is deeply disappointed that Labour has thrown away the last chance for action on divestment during the current administration: “Tonight is yet another example of how our every attempt to discuss Palestine or demand divestment has been blocked, watered down, or silenced. Hackney prides itself on its welcoming support for those fleeing war, but when it comes to Palestine, that welcome vanishes. Families, residents, elected members, even visiting delegations have been met with silence, hostility and democratic obstruction.“

Labour sought to argue that the motion was divisive, but Councillor Alastair Binnie-Lubbock (Green, Hackney Downs Ward), in a passionate contribution, tore into the allegations arguing “What could be more divisive that supporting an apartheid state?” Speaking after the meeting he said, “We looked at the arguments the Council has put forward to avoid acting, and we systematically debunked them all. Labour was left with nothing to do but try to smear us, since they’ve abandoned any pretence at a principled stand on this topic.“

The other aspect of the motion called for an end to Hackney’s twinning arrangement with the Israeli port of Haifa, a relationship Labour says is ‘inactive’.  Councillor Penny Wrout (Hackney Independent Socialists, Victoria Ward), told the Council chamber, “Maintaining a twinning relationship with a city which actively discriminates against Palestinians and imports arms daily to destroy homes and lives in Gaza, is tantamount to Hackney twinning with Durban, or Pretoria at the height of South African apartheid.  Back then, we proudly took the lead, and I don’t care if the Haifa relationship is inactive, we must formally end a twinning relationship with an apartheid city.“

In a packed public gallery, there were calls of support for divestment with shouts that the vote sent a clear message that Hackney Labour stands for delays and procrastination, putting no local pressure on companies complicit in genocide for the forseeable future.  ‘Vote them out’ was the chant as the meeting closed.