POLICE were forced to intervene after protestors disrupted a Tameside Council meeting.
On seven occasions on Tuesday, May 20, people stood up in the public gallery at Dukinfield Town Hall.
A number gathered outside the building ahead of the session, against current conflicts and Greater Manchester Pension Fund’s apparent investment in military equipment firms, as well as the now infamous Trigger Me Timbers WhatsApp group.
Several speeches referencing the conflict in Gaza and Palestine were heard as councillors were interrupted.
And eventually, the meeting was adjourned, with members moved to a different room while officers attended.
One interruption as councillors discussed the health of Cllr Joyce Bowerman sparked an angry reaction from chair of council business, Cllr Joe Kitchen.
He said: “We were discussing the serious illness of one of our members. To be interrupted at that point, it makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
“We’re well aware of the situations happening in Palestine, Ukraine and other places but there are places you can protest against them.
“That’s where they should direct them at the people who can make decisions and stop these conflicts.
“Tameside Council cannot, at all.”