The Council agreed to suspend Procedure Rule 13.1 to enable the following urgent motions to be debated without notice:

13.1    Urgent Motion regarding the Paris Attacks

Mayor John Biggs moved, and Councillors Oliur Rahman and Peter Golds seconded, the motion as tabled.

Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was unanimously agreed. Accordingly it was:

RESOLVED:

This Council notes:

• The shocking multiple attacks in Paris on Friday 13th November 2015, in which 129 people were killed and hundreds injured.

• That council staff held a one-minute silence on Monday 16th November at 11am, as other tributes were held across Europe.

• That the world has witnessed vile and cowardly terror attacks – in Beirut, Baghdad and Paris. We hope all those responsible are identified, detained and face the full force of justice.

This Council believes:

• The attacks in Paris were horrific and abhorrent and we condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms.

• That our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the attacks, their families and loved ones, our French neighbours and all innocent victims of terror and war.

This Council resolves:

• That a cross-party letter be written to the Mayor of Paris to express our condolences, thoughts and prayers – along with a copy of this motion.

• That we will always stand firm against the politics of hate in all its forms, wherever and however it manifests itself.

13.2    Motion Regarding Somaliland's right to be recognised as a sovereign state

Councillor Amina Ali moved, and Mayor John Biggs seconded, the motion as tabled.

Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was agreed.Accordingly it was:

RESOLVED:

This Council notes:

1.    The first Somalilanders living in England settled in Tower Hamlets as early as the 19^th century, working as seafarers on the local docks in this borough.

2.    Many of the early Somaliland settlers settled in Cable Street, where in the 1930s along with the Jewish and other local communities they fought against fascism when Mosley's black shirts marched through Tower Hamlets ready to divide communities.

3.    That Somalilanders merchant seafarers went on to fight for Britain from their base in Tower Hamlets during the first and second world wars, many losing their lives for King and country. After the war years the small Somaliland community worked hard to continue to contribute to the economy of Tower Hamlets.

4.    Somaliland declared independence from the Republic of Somalia in 1991 following a long war.

5.    That Somaliland has never been recognised by the UN or the African Union despite a campaign by its politicians, diplomats and prominent citizens.

6.    The Somaliland government does not receive international aid and it has kept its waters free from piracy.

This Council believes:

1.    That Somalilanders have made a significant contribution to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and Somali-landers are the one of the oldest communities in Tower Hamlets.

2.    That Somalilanders have contributed to the local economic and cultural makeup of Tower Hamlets becoming proud members of this borough.

3.    The Somaliland community in Tower Hamlets has continued to have strong cultural and economic links with Somaliland and has been a strong voice in the advocacy for an independent Somaliland.

4.    That this council should be strongly urged to support the growing pressure to recognise Somaliland as an independent state allowing it a seat at the United Nations

5.    That this council should recognise the strength of the Somaliland's cause and the fact that it is a stable democracy with four successful and peaceful elections over the past two decades, with the inclusive democratic institutions based on universal suffrage. Somaliland is an active partner in the horn of Africa, actively working with the international community in the fight against extremism and terrorism.

6.    Somaliland presents a strong case for recognition under international law; it meets the criteria for statehood, and effective government, a defined territory and with the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

7.    Somaliland wants formal recognition for what has already existed since 1991.

8.    An independent Somaliland can serve as an example to the region of the establishment of peace and democracy.

9.    That recognition would help to entrench democracy in the Horn of Africa.

10.That recognition would also help to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the dumping of toxic waste in the region.

11.That recognition would allow Somaliland to attract international investors and tourists creating jobs for its growing young population and allow it to interact with the international institutions like the World Bank, African Bank, EU and the United Nations.

This Council resolves:

1.    To support the campaign to recognise Somaliland as an independent state. Support for this motion will show that this Council has listened to the Somaliland community in Tower Hamlets and that we recognise them as an integral part of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.