THERE was heated debate in Truro City Council’s chambers when members discussed whether it was appropriate to show solidarity with Palestine in the light of current world events.

Devon Claxton (Green, Tregolls) tabled a motion to ask Cornwall Council to clarify the destination of its pension fund investments to ensure they were not funding companies connected with supplying arms to Israel.

“The majority of Truro’s residents, I believe, are not happy with the sights we are seeing in Gaza at the moment, and I don’t think the majority of Truro residents I have spoken to want their taxes going to an institution that’s complicit in that,” he told Truro Voice afterwards. “If I were a council employee I would not want my pension contributions going towards something that was breaking international law.”

The council also responded to a letter sent to town clerk David Rodda by Mark Hilley, who has run a Palestinian information stall on Lemon Quay every Saturday since October 2023. Mr Hilley suggested the council consider making a public statement condemning Israel for its actions in Gaza, including flying the Palestinian flag in solidarity from a public building, and exploring a twinning arrangement with a Palestinian town.

“As a member of the twinning association with Morlaix and Boppard, I thought we should definitely look into this,” said Cllr Claxton.

However, Cllr Steven Webb, city and Cornwall councillor (LibDem, Moresk and Trehaverne), questioned whether this was within the city council’s remit. “I understand the sentiments and I respect Cllr Claxton’s passionate plea,” he added. “It is difficult to support a motion like this, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t support it or disagree with.”

The motion was rejected by one vote. Cllr Claxton said: “I’m very grateful to those who supported me, and willing to work with those who voted against the motion.”