‘Leave these kind of debates to students’

A motion on Trident and nuclear weapons to due to be discussed at a virtual meeting of the full council tomorrow (Thursday), proposed by SNP councillors Danish Ashraf and Alan Masterton.

The call for global denuclearisation follows recent motions on issues such as Hong Kong and Catalonian independence.

Council leader Jim Logue believes his fellow councillors should keep focused on local issues affecting the people of North Lanarkshire.

He said: “In the last few years, there has been an increasing tendency for local councillors to submit motions on issues which the council has no powers to affect or change.

“Whilst the sentiments often expressed are valid, without any power to act, we are in danger of turning the council into a student debating society.

“Recently, we have seen motions on independence in Catalonia, the status of Hong Kong and now a motion has been submitted in relation to the prohibition of nuclear weapons.

“Whilst it is entirely reasonable for councillors to have their own political views on such subjects, it is simply a waste of time for a council to spend hours at a time debating these issues instead of focusing on local services.”

Councillor Ashraf stated the matter was brought up with him locally and believes councillors should be discussing matters that are important to their constituents.

He said: “I’m unsurprised at Councillor Logue’s comments, over the years his administration has repeatedly shown those of us in opposition and the residents of North Lanarkshire that they care less about hearing the views of residents and more about being seen to be listening by conducting tone deaf consultations.

“This motion was brought to us by concerned residents. I’d remind Councillor Logue that the concerns of residents are our concerns, Labour would do well to remember that responsibility and not take it for granted if they wish to hold onto their quickly withering support.”

Councillor Masterton added: “The council leader may wish to note that the specific motion on nuclear weapons was brought to me and others, by the Justice and Peace Group of a local church and so clearly is of interest to local residents.

“Moreover, North Lanarkshire Council is a member of the Nuclear Free Authorities, so rather than comment as he had; perhaps Councillor Logue should show more than a passing interest to this issue.”