Anti-Israel activists apply for review of council boycotts regulation
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign argue that restrictions on councils boycotting Israeli companies limits freedom of expression
Campaigners have applied for a judicial review of Government regulations that prevent local council pension schemes from taking part in boycotts of foreign nations or arms companies on ethical grounds.
Guidance issued earlier this year states that it is “inappropriate” for the schemes to pursue boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) unless they have been put in place by the Government. Funds should make “the pursuit of a financial return” their predominant concern.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign will argue that this restriction limits freedom of expression and prevents councils from supporting the BDS movement for boycott, divestment and sanctions directed at Israel over its actions in the Palestinian territories.
PSC chair Hugh Lanning said: “The right to call for and practise BDS in all arenas is guaranteed by the right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience. Local democracy is undermined when central Government clamps down on people’s abilities to diverge from or disagree with UK foreign policy and the defence industry.
“There is no legitimate reason why the Government should prevent people with local government pensions from being able to divest and invest exactly as they wish. These regulations are part of a larger pattern of attempts by the Government to delegitimise BDS. We are concerned that these new measures limit our fundamental freedoms.”
Human rights solicitor Jamie Potter of Bindmans, who are representing PSC in the case – which has the support of War On Want and the Campaign Against Arms Trade – said: “The Government is seeking to use powers in respect of pensions to stifle debate and disagreement regarding the role of foreign countries and the arms trade in violations of human rights around the world.
“This is not only unlawful, but is also an erosion of democracy and freedom of speech. The Government cannot be permitted to impose its views on individuals and the organisations that represent them. If this is permissible, there will be nothing to stop the targeting of campaigns in other areas where there is disagreement over the Government’s approach, such as the environment and health.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
