​ What are we allowed to say on Gaza now, Mr Starmer? – Lorna Slater

Instead of debating in the public forum the Lord Provost ruled that there should be no debate on the motion.

Council officers had deemed it competent, but other parties were genuinely worried that even being in the same room whilst the discussion happened would make them subject to legal action for supporting Palestine Action, which is a proscribed organisation. Greens withdrew the motion understanding the real fear fellow councillors had regarding future employment, visa status or targeted abuse.

Despite being unable to say what they wanted on the day, I know that this situation highlights the fight for our right to stand up against genocide. I hope that politicians at every level and in every chamber would recognise how surreal these conversations are.

The same question was considered last week by the High Court, who ruled that Westminster had acted unlawfully by banning Palestine Action. It was the right decision but only came after hundreds of people had been arrested for waving banners and bits of paper.

The fact that legislation is cracking down on protest and people can be treated like terrorists for showing solidarity is deeply authoritarian and cynical. It would almost be laughable if the consequences weren’t so severe.

My team have also met with constituents at the University of Edinburgh who are deeply concerned about the policing of the campus following student protests about genocide in Gaza, and are further unhappy with the university’s response to these incidents. The university ranks among the most financially entangled institution with Israel in the UK, and that it has been noted to partner with firms which aid Israeli military options.

Attempts to divest or even have genuine conversations on the matter have been halted time and time again by senior leadership. The UK Labour government knows what it is doing, considering they have continued to arm and support genocide in Gaza.

Profits and political capital have been put ahead of the rights of Palestinians and Labour would rather criminalise dissent and protest with dangerous policies. Those protesting or speaking up are not doing it for the sake of it. They want people to know about the atrocities happening that Westminster has supported. They want to prevent further war crimes, death and destruction. Solidarity and peaceful protest should never be a crime and nor should defending the right of others to protest peacefully.