Protesters disrupted a key York council meeting last night (Thursday).
People protesting the Israeli offensive in Gaza were escorted out of the Citadel on Gillygate by security for disrupting the city council’s annual budget meeting.
A gathering of people, including former deputy council leader Andy D’Agorne, stood outside the Citadel before the budget meeting, some chanting and waving Palestine flags.
After the Lord Mayor of York Cllr Chris Cullwick started the annual budget, one man inside the Citadel stood up and addressed the room.
He said: “How dare we call ourselves a city of sanctuary?” before citing Palestinian deaths since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October.
Cllr Mark Warters tried to intervene but could not be heard clearly before other protesters chanted “free free Palestine”.
Cllr Cullwick responded by saying: “This is a budget meeting of the City of York Council.
“It is only possible in the budget meeting if the speakers can address the items on the agenda.”
He said there are “opportunities” for members of the public to register to speak at full council meetings through the appropriate channels.
Another protester who started chanting from the back of the room was also escorted by security.
As they were led out, one man said: “You just silenced another Palestinian.”
Other protesters filtered out of the Citadel as councillors started contributing to the budget meeting and continued chanting outside.