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A Wokingham borough and Woodley town councillor has left the Labour party and will now stand as an independent.
Councillor Majid Nagra, who represents Loddon ward in Woodley on the borough council, was elected as one three representatives for the ward in May 2024 with 1,316 votes – equal to 17% of the overall vote.
Cllr Nagra also sat as a Labour councillor on Woodley town council for the Loddon Airfield ward. He was elected to that role in May 2023 with 28% of the vote.
Woodley town and Wokingham borough councillors were told of his decision earlier this week.
In a statement to Wokingham Today, Cllr Nagra said: “I am resigning from my Labour party membership due to the Gaza issue, and the current feeling of insecurity experienced by our communities in the Earley and Woodley constituency.
“More than 63,000 Palestinians have now reportedly been killed during Israel’s war in Gaza. According to Save the Children, the number of children killed has surpassed 20,000.
“During the last three months, many questions were asked in the House of Commons about Britain’s intelligence sharing with Israel, and we did not receive any clear answer with relevant details until now.
“Ministers and the prime minister claimed they have stopped arms sales to Israel. According to media reports, Britain suspended 30 of the 350 arms licences for export to Israel.
“Sales of parts of fighter jets are not included in this suspension. Ministers have not given any information to challenge these reports.
“On top of this, foreign secretary David Lammy wrote: “The government had carefully considered the risk of genocide. The government has not concluded that Israel is acting with that intent.”
“This is a heartless and senseless statement, and it shows how oblivious our deputy prime minister is to reality.
“The same type of behaviour is apparent in the Labour government’s recent legislations .. that have shaken and threatened the very foundation of British democracy during recent months.
Labour economic policies are off track, and the social implications of failed economic policies of the Labour government are much more alarming.
“Social divisions are more visible now. Communities are facing each other in opposition due to these divisions.
“Many communities feel threatened, while racist attacks are being reported from different parts of the country every other day.
“Young members of our communities are sadly feeling disheartened and confused, as they are being made to think of themselves as outsiders and unwanted here.
“This is a challenging and frightening time for many communities where negative stereotypes are being perpetuated, and false information is being spread about them.
“Political polarisation is gradually increasing, and consequently the political and social future is not looking bright and promising for many sections of our society.
“The miserable performance of the Labour government has eroded the faith of many communities.
“The Labour Party is supposed to be a voice and representative of communities, working class and vulnerable sections of our society, but this ruling Labour Party does not represent these traditions and values.”
Wokingham Labour group leader Rachel Burgess told Wokingham Today: “It is disappointing that Cllr Nagra has chosen to sit as an independent.
“My fellow Labour councillors and I wish him well.
“As Labour councillors, we remain focused on improving the lives of residents in our wards.”
