Agenda item - Freedom of the City

To consider a report of the Executive Lead for Strategy, Governance & Law (copy attached). 

63.1         Councillor Morgan referred to the report that detailed the notice of motion which had been agreed at the last Council meeting on the 14^th December calling for the removal of the freedom of the city from Aung San Su Kyi in light of the situation in Myanmar and the fate of the Rohingya people.  He believed that in view of the lack of protection of the human rights of the Rohingya people and the failure of Aung San Suu Kyi as the Leader of Myanmar to comment on the situation or act to protect the human rights of these people that it was appropriate to remove the honour of the freedom of the city previously awarded to her.

63.2         Councillor West formally seconded the proposal and stated that in view of the actions taken against the Rohingya people and the failure of Aung San Suu Kyi to take any action, it was only right to withdraw the freedom of city from her and to show the council’s support for the protection of human rights across the world.

63.3         Councillor Janio noted the comments and stated that whilst he did not condone the situation in Myanmar, he did not support the proposal to withdraw an honour that was conferred in recognition of actions that Aung San Suu Kyi had taken to promote the human rights of the Burmese people.  He noted that she still retained the Noble Peace Prize and that there was no indication that this would be removed as a result of the situation in Myanmar.  He also felt that there should be an indication of support for Aung San Suu Kyi by other countries rather than a condemnation as this would strengthen her positon in her own country with the military junta and may then enable her to take action to address the situation on the Rohingya people.

63.4         Councillor Yates noted the comments and stated that there was a need to consider the position although he acknowledged that the removal of the Noble Peace Prize was unlikely.

63.5         Councillor Deane expressed her sadness in regard to the plight of the Rohingya people and the position that the council found itself in at the current meeting.

63.6         Councillor Littman stated that he believed there was a need to recognise the actions taken against the Rohingya people and to express the council’s concern for the lack of protection of human rights in Myanmar.

63.7         Councillor Morgan noted the comments and moved that the freedom of the city should be withdrawn from Aung San Suu Kyi.

63.8         The Mayor noted that a motion to withdraw the freedom of the city from Aung San Suu Kyi had been moved and seconded and therefore asked that a recorded vote be held.  She also reminded the Council that in order for the motion to be passed it would require a two-thirds vote in favour of those Members voting either for or against the motion; i.e. any abstentions would not be included in the overall count of votes cast.

63.9         The Head of Democratic Services undertook a recorded vote as detailed below:

63.10      The Mayor confirmed that the motion had been lost as a two-thirds majority had not been reached with 29 votes for and 18 against of the 47 votes cast.