We call on Waltham Forest Council Leader, Councillor Grace Williams to resign immediately for discriminating against Turkish Cypriots and for her deeply offensive, racist statement against our community.

On Monday, 15 November, Turkish Cypriots who live in the borough were given permission to raise their national flag outside Waltham Forest Town Hall to mark the 38th anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC). It was a special moment not just for the dozens of Turkish Cypriots who had gathered outside the town hall, but also the tens of thousands who saw the event and news online. The joy and pride felt were enormous.

It is important to note that this right to raise the flag has been given to many other minority communities in the borough, including those originating from Pakistan, Dominica, and Antigua. Such events not only reflect the very best of our British values – inclusivity, friendship, tolerance, and respect – but also that this Council recognises the diversity within the borough and treats all communities on an equal basis. All except Turkish Cypriots it appears, as we found out today.

A few hours after the TRNC flag had been raised, Council Leader Williams decided to single out Turkish Cypriots by banning the display of their national flag. Cllr Williams had essentially caved into complaints by a small group of anti-Turkish racists – virtually all from outside of our borough.

As a result of Cllr Williams’ intervention, the Council removed the TRNC flag a few hours after it was hoisted instead of allowing it to fly from ‘dawn to dusk’.

The reason she gave for banning the Turkish Cypriot flag is that “this remains a disputed territory not recognised by the UK Government” and as a result the Council “will not be raising it in future.” Yet for years, Waltham Forest Council has permitted a similar flag-raising ceremony for Tibet, which is also not recognised by the Government. It is unacceptable to discriminate in this way.

In the same statement, Council Leader also said that “Waltham Forest Council apologises for the offense caused by the raising of the flag of Northern Cyprus.” This awful sentence places the feelings of Greek Cypriots above those of Turkish Cypriots, while simultaneously vilifying an entire ethnic community.

It is beyond comprehension that, in this day and age, a politician can deem our ethnic Turkish Muslim identity and homeland of North Cyprus and its flag as so ‘offensive’ that an apology is needed. Such vulgar racist, Islamophobic sentiments are unbecoming of any person in public office and Cllr Williams’ position is now untenable.

We call on Cllr Williams to resign immediately and if not, for her fellow councillors to remove her from her post.

We also demand Waltham Forest Council issues an apology to the thousands of residents in the borough of Turkish Cypriot origin.

Racism and discrimination have no place in any civilised society.

Please support this petition by adding your name. Turkish Cypriots exist, and our rights, identity, and homeland deserve respect too. Thank you.

Arkın Öksüzoğlu