Letters / Motion on Gaza rejected

I am fairly sure that many readers will be horrified and saddened to learn that a motion calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages has been rejected for next week’s council meeting.

If ever there was a time for a council to be given the opportunity to speak out, to condemn the carnage and destruction visited upon innocent human beings, this is surely it.

However, no.

We were advised that councillors shouldn’t make statements that would cause division in our community or do anything to inflame religious or sectarian dissent.

I have absolutely no quibble with these sentiments, but I ask you, where does a call for ceasefire fit into this picture.

We are being asked to leave it to the United Nations, Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak – not to mention the eminent Sultans of Qatar to resolve this issue.  After all, they have been resolving it for the last 80 years.

Ian Scott
Councillor for Shetland Central