Statement from Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley
An update from Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, on engagement with protestors in the Town Hall Square.
Further information (updated October 2024)
Twinned towns
The Council is twinned with Suresnes, Haifa and St George’s. The relationship with Haifa in Israel is a civic one dating back to 1968. As with all of Hackney’s twinning relationships, it is non-political, non-sectarian and multi-faith.
The Council does not have an active role in managing the links; they are self-sustaining based on the community connections that have built up over many years.
Pensions
We know that some residents and communities have concerns about some of Hackney pension fund’s investments.
Responsibility for the pensions fund, which pays the pensions of retired key workers, sits with Hackney Pensions Committee, which has a legal duty to ensure the pension fund generates sufficient returns to keep paying these benefits. Its investments are in standard pooled funds, where the Pension Fund does not hold direct stock in any company. These indirect investments in companies active in Israeli settlements represent about 0.1% of the pension fund’s value.
While it is unlikely that the Pensions Committee could make changes without risking breaching Law Commission guidance, responsible investment remains at the forefront of the Committee’s agenda.
The Fund was able to divest from its Russian holdings after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 because international sanctions on Russia meant that there were long-term financial concerns associated with the assets, a permitted rationale in the Law Commission guidance. The imposition of sanctions on Russia by central government also meant that the decision aligned with UK Government foreign policy, and could therefore confidently be said to be lawful.
On 9 July 2024, the Hackney Pensions Committee heard a deputation on divestment of pension fund investments. See Meeting of Pensions Committee, Tuesday 9 July 2024
Protests
While the encampment protest outside Hackney Town Hall has been peaceful, we have received reports from some members of the public expressing concerns about their safety while accessing town hall.
We recognise the right to peaceful protest within the confines of the law, and it is our duty to balance this with the rights of others visiting and passing through the square and accessing the town hall.
We have set up additional security coverage and are conducting welfare checks on those in the encampment. Where necessary we may also put alternate access arrangements in place to help ensure the safety of all. We continue to monitor the situation and are ready to take the appropriate action should any incidents arise.
I have watched with horror the unfolding violence in Israel and Palestine, from the abhorrent attack by Hamas on 7 October, to the devastating Israeli bombardment of Gaza that has followed.
The hostilities have led to an unconscionable level of hunger, death and destruction and continued fear for hostages; as well as serious alleged breaches of international law.
I share the distress, fear and anger in our borough’s communities about the ongoing conflict. I have met protesters alongside the Council’s Chief Executive and listened carefully to their concerns.
I know families in Hackney who were bereaved in the most horrific way on 7 October. And I have since then met residents who have lost tens and in one case in excess of one hundred friends and family members in Gaza. It’s hard to describe the trauma they are holding. I am so deeply sorry for this suffering and want nothing more than to see it come to an end.
I have spoken to many residents informally since the attack in October, responded more formally to questions brought to meetings of full council, where we have also passed a ceasefire motion, and will continue to engage with local residents and community representatives. I will also continue to work with colleagues to bring cohesion and to ensure that Hackney is no place for hate.Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney