William Eichler 11 January 2024

‘Illiberal’ bill banning boycotts of Israel passes Commons

‘Illiberal’ bill banning boycotts of Israel passes Commons image
Image: Loredana Sangiuliano / Shutterstock.com.

A bill aimed at banning local authorities from boycotting Israel has passed the Commons despite being branded as ‘illiberal and draconian’.

The Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill seeks to stop public bodies joining the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign.

The BDS campaign aims to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians. The movement’s critics accuse it of antisemitism.

Known as the anti-BDS bill, the legislation passed by 282 to 235, with eight Conservative MPs voting against the legislation.

A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), said that boycotts by public bodies ‘undermine the UK’s foreign policy’ and ‘fuel division across our communities.’

‘This change delivers on the Government’s manifesto, stopping public bodies from wasting taxpayers’ money pursuing their own foreign policy agendas and ensuring that the UK speaks with one voice internationally,’ they added.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner criticised the bill as ‘deeply flawed’ saying that it equates Israel with the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the Golan Heights in ‘an unprecedented step.’

Former minister Kit Malthouse, one of the Tory rebels who voted against it, also told the Commons: ‘The fact we would be seeking to legislate against non-violent protest in such an illiberal and draconian way seems to be tragic at this particular point in time.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Activites Assistants (CASUAL)

Durham County Council
£24,404 (12.65 p.a. hour) - £25,183 (£13.05 p.a. hour)
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.   Leisure Centres are
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pension Administration Officer

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 p.a. (Grade 3) Pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen within Pension Services for an Administration Officer to provide admin and data support to the pensions team and members of the L Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

County Attendance Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
We are seeking to recruit to the role of County Attendance Officer on a permanent basis to work predominately across the North or the South of the county. The team works across the whole of Oxfordshire so flexibility to work in other areas is also require County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Software Engineer Starter

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914
We're looking for an exceptional human to join our digital team to learn the skills and put them into practice, designing, developing and maintaining websites, mobile apps & AI. You'll join us on our journey as we create better end-to-end services for our Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director - Growth, Enterprise and Environment

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
£139,111.00 (pay award pending)
This is a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of families across our borough – and to seriously improve your quality of life. Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, TS10 1RT
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Linkedin Banner