Open letter from Cllr Angela Argenzio, Leader of Sheffield Green Group in response to Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of the Labour Group regarding the Joint Administration of Sheffield City Council
Dear Fran,
Thank you for your letter and your interest in our recent Party Conference.
As you will know from our working relationship, I am committed to upholding human rights for everyone and do not tolerate any form of racism.
We have a shared commitment to ensuring that Sheffield is a diverse, welcoming and tolerant place. I am confident that the experience you have had working with me and my colleagues demonstrates our commitment to this and to our obligations under the Equality Act.
You know that the Green Councillors are not antisemitic. Conflating Zionism with Judaism is itself antisemitic. We stand with all Jewish residents of Sheffield: we always have and always will.
We will continue to oppose genocide, ethnic cleansing, apartheid and illegal occupation wherever they occur, and we will continue to speak out against violations of international law and human rights.
You will appreciate the Green Party also has some reservations about working with Labour. When we decided to work together in Sheffield, we knew there were issues upon which we profoundly disagreed, for example your Party’s position on the Israeli Government’s genocidal actions in Gaza and the rights to peaceful protest. We decided that for the good of Sheffield we would work together on issues where we agreed, acting as responsible local politicians to take the challenging decisions needed for the city.
We are very clear that we are in favour of solving problems. Much as I appreciate that you and other Labour Leaders have been directed by your national Party Leader, we have to do what is best for Sheffield and set aside our political differences.
Both you and I know the consequences of destabilising Sheffield City Council: for our city, for our employees and our plans for taking the city forward. Our responsibility goes beyond the direction you are receiving from London. If Labour chooses to destabilise Sheffield City Council over this, Labour owns the consequences.
I am happy to meet with you to discuss how we move forward.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Angela Argenzio
Leader of the Green Group
