'Keep local government focused on local priorities'

Wendy Davis on why councils be cautious about being drawn into international political disputes

Local councils are elected to serve their communities, dealing with issues such as housing, social care, roads, planning and local services. They should be cautious about being drawn into international political disputes.

placeholder image — Sheffield Town Hall | Iconic Media

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has actively lobbied councils and councillors over investments and policies relating to Israel.

It has also publicly identified councillors according to whether they support its agenda or not.

People have every right to campaign and lobby elected representatives. That is part of democracy. But there is a legitimate question about whether sustained pressure from outside organisations risks diverting councils from their primary responsibility to local residents.

There should also be transparency about the funding and activities of organisations seeking to exert political influence at local level.

Residents have a right to know who is funding campaigns and how much influence they are having over decisions made by their elected representatives.

This is not an argument against supporting the Palestinian cause, nor against legitimate political campaigning.

It is an argument for keeping local government focused on local priorities and ensuring that decisions are made openly and in the interests of the whole community.

Local democracy should be accountable to local voters - not driven by the agenda of outside campaign organisations .