Following the vote those guests previously invited to speak will take the floor.

Invited speakers Ambassador John Licht (Head of Vanuatu’s permanent mission in Brussels), Anneliese Dodds MP, and George Monbiot (environmental and political writer) addressed Councillors and guests.

Councillor Djafari-Marbini read selected messages of congratulation from those unable to attend.

The Lord Mayor will present the scroll recording the conferment of the Honorary Freedom of the City to Benny Wenda.

Following the presentation, Benny Wenda will address Council.

The Lord Mayor will then close the meeting and invite guests and councillors to mingle and enjoy refreshments.

The Lord Mayor presented the Scroll of Admission to Benny Wenda.

Benny Wenda then gave an acceptance speech to Councillors and guests.

The Lord Mayor closed the meeting.

Note: Councillor Hollingsworth arrived at the close of the meeting.

The Council will vote on the Motion and, provided at least two thirds of the members voting on it are in favour, the Lord Mayor will declare this Motion carried.

The motion having been proposed and seconded, the Lord Mayor put this to the vote.

With all councillors present voting for the motion and none voting against, the motion was agreed unanimously, thereby meeting the requirements of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 that the resolution be passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting thereon.

Council resolved, in accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, to confer the Honorary Freedom of the City of Oxford on Benny Wenda.

The Lord Mayor will call for a seconder for the Motion.

The seconder, and other councillors who indicate, may speak.

Councillor Howlett gave a speech seconding the proposal.

The Lord Mayor will move, in accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the motion below.

Motion: that Council resolves to confer the Honorary Freedom of the City on Benny Wenda.

The Lord Mayor proposed the motion that Council confer the Honorary Freedom of the City on Benny Wenda in recognition of his contributions to Oxford and to the West Papuan community in the city, and on the international stage including tireless campaigning from his Oxford headquarters.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Simmons, welcomed guests to the meeting.