City councillors have unanimously voted against government legislation described as a "foul threat" to civil rights against the backdrop of protesters outside the town hall. 

The controversial 'Anti-Boycott Bill' was discussed at an Oxford City Council meeting on Monday night.

Oxford Mail: Protesters gathered outside the town hall.Protesters gathered outside the town hall. (Image: NQ.)

The legislation has been criticised by objectors during the Israel and Palestine conflict. 

And city councillors decided the authority's leader Susan Brown should "issue a public statement condemning the Anti-Boycott Bill" as well as writing to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and heads of other parties.

This letter would be encouraging them to "ensure their MPs actively oppose the legislation in parliament".

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Oxford Socialist Independents councillor Dr Hosnieh Djafari-Marbini, of the Northfield Brook ward, said: "This bill is a foul threat to our civil and democratic rights.

"It would prevent Oxford City Council from cutting financial ties with authorities engaged in human rights abuse."

Dr Djafari-Marbini referenced a "systemic destruction of the healthcare system by Israeli forces" as well as "an exceptional rhetoric of genocide and ethnic cleansing from Israeli ministers".

She said there were "extensively burnt men, women and children" in Gaza as a result of violence.

Labour councillor Mike Rowley, of the Barton and Sandhills ward, said: "I’m sure there are different opinions around the room about the wisdom of an Israeli boycott but this motion doesn’t ask us to do that."

Socialist Independents councillor Jabu Nala Hartley, of the Barton and Sandhills ward added: "Not supporting this motion is extremely dangerous for democracy."

Oxford Mail: Councillor Jabu Nala-Hartley.Councillor Jabu Nala-Hartley. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

And Shaista Aziz, leader of the council's Independent group, said: "This isn't just about process and democracy.

"Medical facilities and hospitals have been wiped off the map.

"We should really emphasise that this is an issue that has direct impact on people's lives as we sit here."

Oxford Mail: Pro-Palestine protest in Oxford.Pro-Palestine protest in Oxford. (Image: Oxford Mail)

The controversial bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons on January 10 and will now continue its passage through the House of Lords.

In a public address to the council, resident Maryam Firdous Ahmed, said: "It is pure hypocrisy to champion democracy, free speech whilst in the same breath opposing the very means by which citizens can exercise this right."

Seconder of the motion and Green party leader, Chris Jarvis, of the St Mary's ward, said: "The Tories absolutely despise democracy and they're doing everything they can to shrink it.

Oxford Mail: Councillor Chris Jarvis.Councillor Chris Jarvis. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"It's absolutely sickening that this legislation is being pushed through at a time when Israel continues its horrific bombardment of Gaza.

"This council and this city have a proud history of standing up against injustice."