Concerned Buddies say support for Palestinians is more important than ever
Claims that flying the Palestinian flag in Renfrewshire is nothing more than 'gesture politics' has been dismissed by local campaigners who say the show of solidarity is more important than ever.
Paisley 4 Palestine – which last year successfully campaigned for the flag to be flown in civic spaces in Renfrew, Johnstone and Paisley - said it was disappointed in the decision to lower it in Houston Square and at Renfrew Town Hall.
It comes days after councillors agreed to a change in policy, flying the flag only from Renfrewshire Council headquarters where it is alternated with the Ukrainian flag every fortnight.
Councillor Neil Graham said the decision to lower the flag was a 'victory for common sense', arguing the decision to retain it in Paisley was nothing more than 'gesture politics' and a 'fringe issue'.
But local campaigners say his statements only serve to prove how 'out of step' he and many other politicians are with ordinary people.
John Kelly, a founding member Paisley 4 Palestine, said: 'Our view is that politicians are clearly out of step or behind the curve in relation to their constituents, especially the young.
'The reality is that Paisley people keep talking about Palestine. As the slaughter in Gaza continues on a daily basis, more and more people from all over Renfrewshire and beyond, young and old, are coming together to show their solidarity and to try to bring attention to the plight of Palestinians.
'Renfrewshire has always been proud of its radical tradition so it is no surprise that Buddies are saying 'not in my name' at the atrocities taking place in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. These voices will only get louder.'
John pointed to a host of activity outwith Paisley 4 Palestine which shows the strength of feeling locally. This includes a coffee morning at St Charles' RC Church which raised over £1,700 for Medical =Aid for Palestine, with Gig for Gaza at The Bungalow also raising £3,500 for the same charity.
Paisley Artist Art By Dev has also painted two huge billboards in Neilston Road urging people not to look away from the humanitarian disaster taking place. Paolo Nutini also added his name to a campaign from Choose Love which saw people from the arts call for the cessation of arms sales to Israel.
Councillor Graham, Renfrewshire Conservative group leader, said: 'I have been appalled by the scenes in Gaza and the innocent civilians who have been caught up in this conflict. I hope that aid can get to those who need it most.
'Of course, such a conflict is not a fringe issue. However, the flying of certain flags very much is. At a time when council tax has soared, I believe Renfrewshire residents want us to focus on issues we can truly impact upon like our roads, our schools and our social care services.
'While, like others, I want to see an immediate ceasefire, I believe the time has come for the council to stop spending so much time on what flags are flying.'
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