Agenda and minutes
PDF 122 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, HA9 9HD
Contact: Peter Goss, Democratic Services Manager 020 8937 1353, Email: peter.goss@brent.gov.uk
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Declarations of personal and prejudicial interests Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, any relevant financial or other interest in the items on this agenda. Minutes: None declared. |
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Proposed Conferment of Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Brent Minutes: The conferment of Honorary Freedom of the Borough is to recognise persons of distinction who have rendered eminent services and have a connection to the London Borough of Brent. The Council proposed to confer this honour on Nelson Mandela.
The Mayor drew attention to the supplementary report that had been circulated to all members prior to the meeting.
Councillor Butt thanked the South African High Commission for their support of the Council in making this award. He stated that in the London Borough of Brent, one of the most diverse areas of Britain, the struggle for freedom and equality by Nelson Mandela, the African National Congress and the modern South African nation had been followed and supported. He referred to Nelson Mandela’s visit to the borough in 1962 and again after he was freed from prison in 1990. Nelson Mandela had been an inspiration to everyone and had strengthened the cause of racial equality and respect throughout the world. On behalf of the Council, Councillor Butt stated it was a proud moment to confer the Honorary Freedom of the Borough on Nelson Mandela.
Councillors from all Groups on the Council paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, expressing sorrow that he was currently ill but also recollecting his imprisonment and long fight for freedom for all races.
The Mayor submitted the resolution to the meeting which was passed unanimously.
RESOLVED:
that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council of the London Borough of Brent:
(i) invoke the provisions of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 to confer the honour of Freedom of the Borough of Brent on Nelson Mandela in recognition of his dedication and work in relation to freedom of speech and democracy over many years and that this honour of Freedom of the Borough be now so conferred on Nelson Mandela;
(ii) that the granting of the Freedom be presented in an illuminated scroll and decorated casket.
The Leader symbolically handed the casket and scroll to a representative of the South African High Commission who thanked the Council for the award and requested continued support for South Africa. |