Nobody needs another opinion on what is happening in Palestine right now, but the past few days the quote "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor" has been ringing in my ears, and my heart is heavy with grief. Hamas’ actions constitute a war crime & I utterly condemn them. Israel are also guilty of multiple, repeated breaches of international law & human rights, & operate an apartheid state. The Israeli Government’s oppression of Palestinian people is brutal, dehumanising & persistent.

This week it was Policy & Sustainability Committee at @Edinburgh_CC which is good news for fans of monitoring and evaluation, workers' rights, and long twitter threads 🙃

We started the day with deputations, both of which related to motions coming up later in the day. First up, we heard from @StreetAssistEdi about the important work they do to support people and reduce vulnerability at night in Edinburgh. They spoke about how the city could benefit from a Night Time Economy Coordinator - a key pledge from the @EdinburghGreens manifesto.

I’m deeply concerned about an event that is happening in Portobello Library on Tuesday. More detailed thoughts in the thread below, but here is the information about the counter demo for anyone who feels able to go along: lighthousebookshop.com/posts/trans-so… 🧵
Despite protestations that this is simply a group of concerned parents seeking an open discussion, I think it is clear that this event will spread misinformation about inclusive education and hatred towards trans young people.

Today I brought an emergency motion to @Edinburgh_CC calling for a report into the costs incurred by the city as a result of Operation Unicorn, and any future costs of royal visits to Edinburgh.

Really disappointed that the @LordProvostEdin ruled it won't be heard today. People are rightly asking questions about why public funds - the extent of which we don't even know - were being used on ceremony, council officer time, and heavy-handed policing when the people of Edinburgh are facing an extreme cost of living crisis.

The full text of motion:

While canvassing today I met a woman originally from Poland who said she didn't vote any more. Since the Brexit vote she has experienced a huge increase in racist abuse and harassment, and has no faith in politicians to do anything to make a difference. 1/6

https://twitter.com/PortyGreens/status/1508097931487940614

She apologised for being angry, and I told her she had every right to be. Racist politicians and policies in Scotland, the UK and internationally have given license to people to voice previously unacceptable views about migrants and refugees. 2/6