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Motion calling for Medway Council to ask BAE Systems to end alleged ‘business relationship’ with Israel overwhelmingly rejected

A motion calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to ask a major Kent business to cease its alleged relationship with Israel has been overwhelmingly rejected.

It had been put forward by independent councillor Satinder Shokar but was rejected by Medway Council in unison with some “really unhappy” it had been put forward.

Cllr Satinder Shokar (Ind) put forward the motion which asked the council to write to BAE Systems
Cllr Satinder Shokar (Ind) put forward the motion which asked the council to write to BAE Systems

The motion said many Medway residents were “appalled and traumatised” by what has happened in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, with the Towns had previously shown solidarity with international citizens, such as in the case of Ukrainian refugees.

It asked for the council to call on the prime minster and the foreign secretary to press for a permanent ceasefire and for aid to be allowed into the region.

The motion also asked the government to suspend arms exports to Israel and implement sanctions on illegal settlers in Occupied Palestinian Territory.

It then asked for the authority to write to Aerospace and defence giant BAE Systems, whose Kent base is in Rochester, calling for it to cease its alleged business relationship with Israel and conduct an internal investigation.

BAE dispute this and say they do not supply military equipment directly to the Israeli government.

BAE Systems said they do not supply military equipment directly to the Israeli government. Picture: BAE Systems
BAE Systems said they do not supply military equipment directly to the Israeli government. Picture: BAE Systems

A spokesperson for the firm said: “We do not currently sell military equipment directly to the Government of Israel, nor do we have any operations or employees in Israel or Gaza.

“We operate under the tightest regulation and comply fully with all applicable defence export controls.”

Anti-war demonstrators previously gathered outside its Marconi Way site to protest against the war in Palestine.

Introducing the motion, Cllr Shokar said: “This Palestine solidarity motion is well overdue, it addresses a matter of profound importance which resonates deeply with communities in Medway.

“BAE Systems in Medway is currently producing components that are being used on the F-35, which are involved in committing war crimes.

“It is only fair for us to request that they adhere to UN guiding principles and arms trading treaties, cease their business relationship with Israel and conduct an internal report.”

Deputy leader Teresa Murray (Lab) said they shared Cllr Shokar's feelings about the situation in the Middle East but did not like the criticism of BAE Systems
Deputy leader Teresa Murray (Lab) said they shared Cllr Shokar's feelings about the situation in the Middle East but did not like the criticism of BAE Systems

Labour’s deputy leader, Cllr Teresa Murray, said the group would not be supporting the motion.

She said: “Cllr Shokar, we know how passionate you are about this and how compassionate you are about this, and we share all of your sadness and all of your frustrations with what has happened in Gaza.

“However, there is a ceasefire and it’s real, it’s agreed, and our government are supporting it. Aid is going in and medical supplies are starting to go in.

“On the second part of the motion, BAE has a very long-standing reputation in our community as a good employer, more than 60% of their workforce comes from Medway.

“They’ve got big plans for hiring 300 more workers, build a new factory, and to encourage young people and apprentices.

Leader of the Medway Tories, Cllr George Perfect, said BAE systems had their full support
Leader of the Medway Tories, Cllr George Perfect, said BAE systems had their full support

“I’m really unhappy with a motion before the council that somehow makes BAE feel - the people who work there - we don’t appreciate them. We do.”

Leader of the Medway Tories, Cllr George Perfect, said his group would also not be supporting the motion.

He said: “BAE Systems has our full support, they are a strong local employer providing good quality jobs to local young people and significant apprenticeships.”

Responding to the remarks made by fellow members, Cllr Shokar said: “This is a profound stain on our national conscious, let’s not make it a local one too.

“I’m not under any illusions that a small organisation like a local council can have much of an impact on these issues, however we must stand up for these demands.

“It astounds me that in an apparently civilised country we pretty much stood by and watched, with some in this chamber cheerleading it on.

“We must stand on the right side of history. Many councils up and down the country have passed such motions, why are we different?”

Council leader Vince Maple (Lab) asked Cllr Shokar to withdraw the suggestion any councillor had cheerleaded the situation, but Cllr Shokar refused, claiming he had seen tweets from some members doing so.

The motion was defeated with only Cllr Shokar voting in its favour.

Of the remaining 52 councillors in attendance, 44 voted against the motion and eight abstained.

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