Glasgow Flying Palestinian Flag Prompts Row

Glasgow's council has provoked controversy by flying the flag of the Palestinian people from the City Hall.

The council said it had decided to fly the flag - a green, white and black tricolour with a red triangle at one end - as a mark of support for those affected by the violence in Gaza.

The banner was erected on one of the flag poles outside Glasgow City Hall on Friday morning.

It came about after the mayor of Bethlehem, which in twinned with Glasgow, wrote to the city's Lord Provost, asking Glasgow to show solidarity.

Although Bethlehem is in the West Bank, the city council said it felt it was necessary to fly the flag to support all the people in the Palestinian Territories.

It has prompted outrage from Jewish groups, who say it will not achieve anything.

Jewish Representative Council president Paul Morron told Sky News: "Flying the Palestinian flag achieves nothing.

"It's the worst form of politics. It's not going to change views and minds. Glasgow council should also be flying the Israeli flag."

A letter sent to the Mayor of Bethlehem from Glasgow's Lord Provost, Councillor Sadie Docherty, said: "I offer heartfelt sympathy to the people of Gaza who are suffering during this most recent outbreak of violence.

"Glasgow is home to many friends of Palestine and this is a deeply distressing time for them.

"They represent a variety of ethnicities, political persuasions, faiths and none. However, they are united by a common desire to support the Palestinian people.

"In solidarity with Bethlehem and Palestine, Glasgow City Council will raise the Palestinian flag on Friday August 8."

Councillor Archie Graham, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, said the council had had a lot of emails from residents asking for them to show their support for the people of Gaza

He told Sky News: "If any of our twin cities find themselves in difficulties, then we jump to help, of course we do.

"We met with people from the Jewish Representative Council ... The last thing we want to do is offend anyone and we absolutely condemn any anti-Semitism anywhere and we feel for the victims of the conflict no matter which side they are on.

"We are working with the Jewish Representative Council to try and allay any fears they might have but we feel absolutely that we have to show solidarity with the victims of this conflict, many of whom are innocent children."

Glasgow is also home to the largest Jewish population in Scotland, who are very upset at this incredible decision.  It will achieve nothing but alienation and division. If they really want to show solidarity with "victims of this conflict", on what day are they going to fly the Israeli flag?

Iris wrote:Glasgow is also home to the largest Jewish population in Scotland, who are very upset at this incredible decision.  It will achieve nothing but alienation and division.  If they really want to show solidarity with "victims of this conflict", on what day are they going to fly the Israeli flag?

Seems a stupid thing to do...just inviting trouble on the streets of Glasgow.

Iris wrote:Glasgow is also home to the largest Jewish population in Scotland, who are very upset at this incredible decision.  It will achieve nothing but alienation and division.  If they really want to show solidarity with "victims of this conflict", on what day are they going to fly the Israeli flag?

I'm with you wholeheartedly on this, Iris. I am appalled by this action by the City Council and I find it offensive to the Jewish population of the city.

I particularly find this statement thoroughly offensive:

"I offer heartfelt sympathy to the people of Gaza who are suffering during this most recent outbreak of violence."

Outbreak of violence? The people of Gaza suffering during this outbreak of violence? Not "conflict," but "violence." That is a shocking statement for the council to be making.

Our elected representatives, whether local or national show support to the areas where they have the best chance of picking up votes.

Off topic I know, but..

Our labour led City Council and the ragged, unshaven, scruffy object we have for a mayor, target migrant areas for development and any increased city services. We have't had a road sweeper in our street for months. Our local Library has closed after almost 50years. Our nearest 24/24 police station is 3 miles away and the potholes are so deep we can see the original cobbles.

These creatures, many of whom are under police investigation are simply the detrtius of civilised society, narcissistic social misfits, parasites and have no business taking such decisions.