Town hall boss urges peace as local families left in fear for loved ones

Oldham’s town hall boss is urging for peace as families in the borough are ‘affected by violence and bloodshed’ in the Middle East.

Council leader Arooj Shah said she is ‘praying for world leaders’ to stop the conflict, as bombings continue to be carried out by the US, Israel, and Iran. 

Her appeal comes as Iran carries out drone strikes on energy and US military sites across the Middle East, Israel and Hezbollah exchanged missiles in Lebanon, killing 31, and US President Donald Trump has pledged to continue his attacks on Iran ‘for weeks’. 

The UK has also become involved in a defensive deal, after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer agreed to let the US army use British army bases to strike Iranian missile sites. 

More than 100,000 British holidaymakers and expats have registered for help in the Middle East, after becoming stranded by the conflict. 

Cllr Shah said: “I remain seriously concerned about the escalation of this conflict and the ongoing horrendous impact on the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. I have already heard from families here in Oldham whose loved ones are affected by the violence and attacks taking place both inside Iran and across the Middle East. 

“For this to be happening in the holiest of months makes it even more devastating. I will continue to urge those in power, both here in the UK and across the world, to speak out on behalf of those innocents affected in the loudest and firmest way possible. 

“The world cannot afford more conflict and bloodshed. Our prayers are primarily with those affected but also for world leaders – may they lead us away from violence and towards peace.” 

A number of councillors in Oldham have also written to local MPs Jim McMahon and Debbie Abrahams to share their perspective in parliament. 

Labour councillor Shaid Mushtaq shared his letter on Facebook, which read: “Whilst the role of a local councillor is primarily just that, to represent the local residents of the ward in which we are elected, I have been contacted by many residents regarding the unilateral decision by the USA and Israel to strike Iran. … There are many residents with links to Iran either through family or their faith and many more through humanity.

“History has taught us that such unilateral actions with no legal grounding can lead to global impacts as was the case when Iraq was invaded on a lie. The reverberations of that decision continue today including the destabilisation of the entire region, over a million deaths, a refugee crisis and so much more.

“On behalf of my residents and your constituents I humbly request you relay our feelings to the government and push for a halt to all hostilities in the region and a return to the negotiating table.” 

Independents like the Oldham Group have also condemned the conflict in a letter to MPs and raised concerns about the impact on families more locally. 

“Our thoughts are with all communities affected including families here in Oldham who are watching events unfold with fear for loved ones abroad,” said the group leader Cllr Kamran Ghafoor. 

Both MPs are yet to comment on the conflict, but have shared links for British Nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE to register their presence.