Portsmouth City Council has approved plans to establish a friendship link with Birzeit, a Palestinian town in the West Bank. The decision progresses proposals first considered in December 2023 when councillors agreed to explore connections with a Palestinian community.
The initiative was designed to complement Portsmouth’s existing sister city arrangement with Haifa, Israel, established in 1963. Council officials selected Birzeit—located north of Ramallah and home to a renowned university and cultural centre—following specialist guidance.
Officers identified shared interests between the two locations, particularly in education and community outreach. Potential collaboration opportunities include partnerships between universities, museums, and faith communities, with Birzeit having a predominantly Christian population.
Opposition Voices Concerns
Councillor George Madgwick opposed the proposal, claiming to represent “common sense” and residents who are “fed up” with the council becoming involved in “distant political disputes”.
“Ask any Portsmouth resident what matters to them today, and I guarantee it’s not forming links with a town in a conflict zone 2,000 miles away. It’s repairing damaged pavements. It’s ensuring bins are emptied punctually. It’s addressing the problems in our housing system, schools, and NHS,” he stated.
Madgwick argued any Portsmouth-Palestine connection would represent a political gesture rather than genuine cultural or community partnership.
Supporter Defends Decision
Councillor Cal Corkery, who originally proposed the Palestinian link, acknowledged the political nature but described it as “solidarity with people experiencing genocide”.
“That doesn’t mean we’re taking sides – we maintain a long-established relationship with Haifa. Nobody has approached me suggesting we should terminate that connection or that it’s somehow harmful,” Corkery said.
“Common sense varies depending on your definition, who you consult, and your values. The common sense of those I speak with is that when people face oppression and marginalisation, we should use our influence to support and empower them.”
Practical Concerns Raised
Councillor Russell Simpson questioned selecting a small town like Birzeit rather than a major city. He also referenced recent conflicts between Israel and Iran, suggesting these could destabilise the region.
