Asserting its right to formulate foreign policy, the central government in the United Kingdom is preventing local councils from boycotting Israel.
The United Kingdom is curbing local municipalities’ abilities to boycott Israel and support the anti-Israel BDS (Boycott, Sanction, Divest) movement.
The Guardian reported Sunday that the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has confirmed it is drawing up new guidelines to prevent local authorities from mounting their own local campaigns against Israel.
The directives, which will be issued in a few weeks, are expected to make clear that councils’ procurement and investment policies must be consistent with UK government foreign policy.
“Councils should not be using pensions and procurement policies to pursue their own boycotts and sanctions against foreign nations,” a DCLG spokesman said.
“We are tightening up the rules to ensure taxpayers’ and the UK’s interests are protected.”
The Independent reported that the move could prevent local authorities from refusing to trade with, or excluding from their pension fund portfolios, companies involved in the arms trade, fossil fuels, tobacco products and Israeli companies based in Judea and Samaria.
Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade condemned the new directives as a curtailing of local democracy and decision-making.
By: United with Israel Staff
Send ‘Warm Winter’ Care Packages to Israeli Soldiers – They are Cold!
We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect and defend the citizens of Israel. Join us in sending winter care packages (and personal notes of support) to Israeli soldiers who are out in the cold all day long.
Warm up a soldier’s heart with essential winter wear including a fleece jacket, hat, gloves and neck warmer. Keep an entire unit warm by ordering 10 packages! The soldiers greatly appreciate your love and concern.
Send a gift and write your personal message to a soldier today!
Click Here to Send Your Care Package and Personal Note to Israeli Soldiers
Source: United with Israel