At Burnley Borough Council’s full meeting on 15 July 2026, councillors debated a motion on the situation in Kashmir, brought by Independent councillor Sehrish Lone. The Reform group voted against. Cllr Liam Thomson’s contribution is above, and the key points are below.
Cllr Thomson’s argument was short and direct: a borough council simply cannot change what happens overseas, and its time is better spent on Burnley. He described the motion as “nothing more than virtue signalling,” and argued that whatever people’s feelings, the council has no power to affect events abroad.
“It’s a waste of time and resources, and we should be focusing on the issues in Burnley affecting Burnley residents,” he told the chamber, before confirming he would “strongly oppose” the motion.
The motion was carried with the support of a majority of councillors. Reform UK, Restore Britain and the Conservatives voted against. You can read the full debate in our main report, and watch Cllr Gavin Theaker and Cllr Chris Weekes make the same case.