A Green Party councillor in Bolton asked that the Palestinian flag be flown above the town's central library on the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks, prompting a heated exchange in the council chamber.
During a meeting on Wednesday, Councillor Ismail Ibrahim referred to his question "as on the order paper", which asked the leader of the council, Labour councillor Akhtar Zaman, to support a Green Party initiative for three things: the Palestinian flag to be flown above Bolton Central Library on Sunday, 15 November 2026, Palestinian Independence Day, marking the anniversary of the 1988 Palestinian Declaration of Independence, with a short civic ceremony open to people of all faiths and none; that this become an annual observance, on the Sunday on or immediately after 15 November, avoiding Remembrance Sunday, without delaying this year's arrangements; and that he and a nominated Green Party colleague be involved in planning, including his participation in raising the flag, subject to civic protocol and practical arrangements.
Council leader criticises timing
"This is a call for dignity, remembrance, and peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike," the question read. "Will you give a clear answer and a decision timetable and, if any element cannot proceed, explain why and what would enable it to happen?"
Cllr Zaman said the question is of a "serious nature" and criticised Cllr Ibrahim for refusing to "speak on his question". The Green councillor then stood up and said: "It's my choice whether I ask the question."
Cllr Zaman said many people view Cllr Ibrahim's question as "contentious". "I do not say this was deliberate timing on your part," he added, "but I do say that you will be very much aware that this timing will be seen by many as inappropriate."
Councillor leaves chamber
An argument then ensued, and Cllr Ibrahim left the chamber. "I do not say 'no' to his question. I do not say 'yes' to his question," Cllr Zaman then said, adding that Cllr Ibrahim should have "the decency to stand up and speak to all the councillors in this chamber and the wider Bolton public".
"The entire non-policy on the flying of flags on civic buildings within the Bolton borough will be deferred and taken to an all-party discussion group in the future," Cllr Zaman said.
Police say there was a protest outside the council against the idea of flying the Palestinian flag, which was peaceful and no arrests were made.
Conservative and Jewish leaders respond
Councillor Nadim Muslim, Conservative group leader, said: "At a time of increasing antisemitism across the UK, to submit a question to Council about flying a Palestinian flag on a council building was wrong. Doubly so, as the meeting was held on the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks.
"This is not something I or the Conservative group could ever support and would condemn in the strongest terms. It is another example of the Green Party being more concerned about Palestine than the Planet.
"The Green Party question also called for the flag raising to be an annual event, despite how contentious this would be. We cannot allow this and the Conservative group is pulling together proposals to set a clear framework and policy review so this cannot happen again in future which we hope councillors will support at a future meeting."
Marc Levy, chief executive of Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and region, said: "First and foremost, October 7th is a date of significant importance to Jewish communities around the world, given it marks the anniversary of the atrocities committed by Hamas resorting in the murder of 1,200 innocent Israeli civilians, and the further 251 people who were taken hostage, many of whom never returned home.
"The fact that Bolton Council chose this day to even discuss a [question] as to whether the council should fly a Palestinian flag, is at best insensitive and at worst completely outrageous.
"The council also needs to explain why it is they are dedicating precious council time to debating a [question] of which they've got no jurisdiction to speak about.
"They should be focusing on the numerous issues that residents of Bolton will demand their council to speak about, like transport, cost of living and social care.
"This is indicative as to the challenges we are facing at the minute with local authorities who seem hellbent and insistent on looking to import a conflict, taking place on the other side of the world, onto the streets of the UK, ultimately resorting in Jewish communities here in Greater Manchester and beyond, feeling uneasy and afraid."
When asked if they thought Cllr Ibrahim should apologise, Mr Levy said: "I think he should explain his reasoning firstly as to why he thinks it's appropriate for Bolton Council to look at flying a flag that isn't the Union flag.
"I'd also like him to discuss what it is that he had sought to achieve by taking this divisive and one-sided step that's only going to create further division in communities.
"And the third point is, I think he should actually reflect on his actions and explain whether or not he would take the same decision and look to fly a Palestinian flag again given the outcry this has caused across Bolton and beyond."
Cllr Ibrahim and Bolton Council were approached for comment.
