Watch: Palestine protesters halt Derry Council meeting

Pro-Palestine protestors interrupted Derry and Strabane Council's full council meeting today to ask that the council implement the BDS policy it adopted several years ago.

Catherine Hutton of Derry IPSC gave a speech in which she commended the council for many of its policies.

However, she added that the council must take practical steps to implement BDS.

“Despite the acceptance of BDS in 2016 and the second vote in 2019 there has been no practical work done to implement a BDS policy in Derry and Strabane District Council,” she said.

“This is not good enough. We cannot allow pro-Palestinian solidarity to be idle talk or virtue signalling.”

Mayor Patricia Lougue said the matter had been discussed earlier in the meeting. 

“Councillor Duffy brought a motion to say that we'll put our shoulder to the wing now to find a way to implement that motion and it was also amended by councillors Harkin. I just want to let you know that that was passed here in this chamber.”

Patricia Lougue asked that everyone in the chamber observe a minutes silence for the children who have been killed in Gaza. 

Almost every councillor stood to observe it.

A protestor took issue with Alderman Derek Hussey, who did not stand.

"Alderman Hussey didn't get out of that seat. Shame on you," he said.

"Do you have kids? Do you have a heart? Are you even human?

"Can't even stand for a moment of silence for the kids. 13,000 people killed. How many more do you want to see? 10,000 more? 30,000? The whole lot? 2.3 million for you to be satisfied? For you to stand up?"