Key Points
- Brent Council confirmed it permitted a controversial twinning arrangement with the West Bank city of Nablus to proceed through a “non-political” ceremony at the Nova Hotel in Wembley.
- BBC London News reported the event on Saturday as an “official ceremony” marking the formal start of the twinning relationship, with attendees wearing keffiyeh scarves and paperwork signed, including by Brent Council chief executive Kim Wright.
- Jewish News revealed a message from Brent Labour Group and council leader Muhammed Butt circulated to councillors last Friday, distancing the council from the event, describing it as a “private event organised independently by the Community Interest Company (CIC)”.
- Butt stated the council was not organising, hosting, or funding the event, and no council resources were deployed.
- Two sources connected to the council told Jewish News they believe Butt and other leaders allowed the twinning to proceed “through the back door”.
- Rabbi Baruch Levin, leader of Brondesbury Park Synagogue—the largest shul in the borough—previously stated the proposal left Jewish residents “feeling isolated, alienated, and unsafe in the very borough they call home”, adding this point “hasn’t been heard or understood” by the council’s leadership.
- Petitions signed by Jews, Hindus, and residents of no faith accused Brent of a “divisive” and politically motivated stunt amid heightened tensions.
Brent, North West London (North London News) – 11 January 2026 – BrentA council has confirmed it allowed the controversial twinning with the Palestinian city of Nablus to go ahead in a low-key ceremony at a Wembley hotel, despite official claims of non-involvement, prompting accusations of a “back door” approval from critics.
The event, described by a council spokesperson as “non-political”, took place at the Nova Hotel in Wembley on Saturday. Footage captured a small group of attendees, all wearing keffiyeh scarves, as they signed paperwork formalising the partnership, with Brent Council chief executive Kim Wright among the signatories. This development has reignited debates over the council’s handling of the proposal, which has drawn sharp rebukes from Jewish community leaders and cross-faith petitioners concerned about community cohesion in the diverse borough.
What Triggered the Twinning Ceremony?
As reported by BBC London News, the London Borough of Brent “formally marked the beginning of its twinning relationship with the Palestinian city” during an “official ceremony” at the Nova Hotel. The broadcaster highlighted the sparse attendance, noting only a handful of participants present. This coverage underscored the ceremony’s intimate nature, contrasting with the broader controversy surrounding the initiative.
The twinning push originated from councillors and activists linked to the local Palestine Solidarity Campaign, facing strong opposition from communal leaders. Jewish News detailed how the event proceeded despite public resistance, with sources close to the council alleging circumvention of standard procedures. These sources, speaking anonymously to Jewish News, claimed council leader Muhammed Butt and other leaders facilitated the signing “through the back door”, bypassing overt council endorsement.
How Did Council Leader Muhammed Butt Respond?
Jewish News has seen a message circulated last Friday by Brent Labour Group and council leader Muhammed Butt to councillors. In it, Butt wrote that the ceremony was “a private event organised independently by the Community Interest Company (CIC)”. He added:
“The council is not organising, hosting, or funding this event, and no council resources are being deployed.”
This communication appeared designed to distance the authority from any perception of direct involvement.
Butt has faced significant criticism over his stewardship of the twinning proposal. Communal leaders, including Rabbi Baruch Levin, have voiced dismay at the leadership’s approach. The councillor’s statement reflects an effort to frame the event as external to official council activities, amid accusations of political motivation.
Why Are Jewish Residents Feeling Unsafe?
Rabbi Baruch Levin, leader of Brondesbury Park Synagogue—the largest shul in Brent—previously articulated profound concerns. He said the proposal left Jewish residents “feeling isolated, alienated, and unsafe in the very borough they call home”. Rabbi Levin further noted that this sentiment “hasn’t been heard or understood” by the council’s leadership.
This reaction stems from heightened tensions following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and subsequent Gaza conflict, which have polarised communities across the UK. Brent, with its substantial Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu populations, has witnessed protests and counter-protests, amplifying fears of division. The rabbi’s comments, widely reported in Jewish News, highlight a perceived failure by the council to address minority anxieties.
What Role Did Petitions Play in the Debate?
Petitions signed by Jews, Hindus, and residents of no faith have accused Brent Council of pursuing a “divisive” and politically motivated stunt. These campaigns gathered significant support, framing the twinning as ill-timed amid global Middle East strife. Signatories argued it exacerbated local divisions rather than fostering unity.
The multi-faith nature of the petitions underscores broader community unease. Jewish News reported their content directly, noting appeals to halt what was seen as a one-sided partnership. No counter-petitions from pro-twinning groups were mentioned in available coverage, though supporters tied to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign have advocated persistently.
Who Is the Community Interest Company Behind This?
The ceremony was organised by a Community Interest Company (CIC), as per Butt’s message. This entity, independent in name, reportedly secured the necessary council permissions for chief executive Kim Wright’s participation. Jewish News sources questioned the arrangement’s transparency, suggesting it enabled the twinning without full democratic scrutiny.
CICs operate as not-for-profit vehicles for social goals, often in community projects. Here, it facilitated the signing at the Nova Hotel, a venue in Wembley, Brent’s bustling civic heart. The council’s confirmation of a “non-political” label via spokesperson aims to neutralise claims of bias, yet critics view it as semantic manoeuvring.
What Criticisms Have Communal Leaders Leveled?
Communal leaders have been vocal. Rabbi Levin’s synagogue represents a key Jewish constituency in Brent, where antisemitic incidents reportedly rose post-2023. His critique centres on alienation, with Jewish residents feeling sidelined in local governance.
Brent’s diversity—home to Wembley Stadium, historic synagogues, and vibrant Asian communities—makes such decisions fraught. Petitions extended beyond Jews to Hindus and others, indicating cross-community solidarity against perceived partisanship. Council leader Butt’s critics, including these groups, argue the timing ignores fragile post-conflict relations.
How Does This Fit Brent’s Twinning History?
Brent Council maintains several twinning links, typically with cities sharing cultural or economic ties. Past partnerships include European and Commonwealth nations, but Nablus marks a departure into contested geopolitics. The West Bank city, under Palestinian Authority control, symbolises aspirations for statehood amid Israeli occupation disputes.
Proponents see twinning as cultural exchange; opponents decry it as political signalling. Jewish News coverage emphasises the latter, quoting sources on procedural irregularities. BBC London News, conversely, presented the ceremony factually, without delving into backstory.
What Happens Next for Brent’s Communities?
No immediate council statement beyond Butt’s message has emerged. The twinning’s formalisation leaves questions over implementation—exchanges, visits, or funding. With Rabbi Levin’s warnings unheeded, Jewish residents may escalate via elected representatives or further petitions.
Brent’s Labour leadership, under Butt, navigates a borough where 2024 local elections saw turnout influenced by Middle East issues. Neutral observers urge dialogue to rebuild trust. As tensions persist nationally, this episode exemplifies local councils’ tightrope in foreign policy echoes.
Why Was the Ceremony So Low-Key?
Footage from the Nova Hotel showed minimal attendees, all in keffiyehs—symbolic Palestinian headscarves. Absent were councillors or public observers, reinforcing Butt’s “private” characterisation. BBC London News noted the intimacy, while Jewish News highlighted Wright’s signature as de facto council buy-in.
This discretion contrasts with typical civic events, fuelling “back door” narratives. Sources told Jewish News leaders anticipated backlash, opting for subdued execution. The hotel choice, in multicultural Wembley, blends anonymity with accessibility.
Who Are the Key Figures Involved?
- Muhammed Butt: Brent Council leader, Labour Group head, authored distancing message.
- Kim Wright: Chief executive, signed paperwork.
- Rabbi Baruch Levin: Brondesbury Park Synagogue leader, voiced safety fears.
- Unnamed sources: Council-connected, alleged back-door facilitation.
- Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Linked activists drove proposal.
These individuals anchor the story, with media attributing statements precisely. Butt’s role draws most scrutiny, given his oversight.
What Broader Tensions Underlie This?
UK councils face twin pressures: pro-Palestinian activism post-Gaza war and rising antisemitism reports. Brent mirrors national trends, per Community Security Trust data. Petitions reflect interfaith pushback, rare in local disputes.
Government guidance urges neutrality on international issues, yet twinnings persist. Brent’s move tests boundaries, potentially setting precedents. Critics like Levin call for inclusivity; supporters frame it as solidarity.
This saga, unfolding in early 2026, underscores Brent’s challenges as a microcosm of Britain’s multicultural fault lines. With over 350,000 residents, decisions here resonate widely. Full transparency on the CIC’s role and future plans remains pending, as communities await clarity.
