Protecting the public realm without shutting it down
As Martyn's Law approaches, this free special report from LocalGov and Hill & Smith sets out how councils can protect public spaces without shutting them down.
Over 1,000 councillors sign ‘Pledge for Palestine’
23/02/2026 More than 1,000 local councillors across Britain have signed a ‘Pledge for Palestine’ ahead of key local elections in May, campaigners say. |
Lambeth Green’s criticise £8m Oracle contract renewal
19/02/2026 Lambeth Green Party councillors have launched a petition urging the council to cancel plans to award technology firm Oracle an £8m contract. |
Councils that boycott Israel could face legal action, Reed warns
07/01/2026 Labour-run local authorities could face legal action if they pursue boycotts against Israel, Communities Secretary Steve Reed has warned. |
Council boycotts cost defence sector £30m
09/06/2025 A new report by two Labour MPs has estimated that defence companies have lost out on £30m in investment because of council boycotts. |
Oxford councillors reaffirm commitment to ethical procurement
27/03/2025 Oxford CC has passed a motion reaffirming its ‘duty’ to avoid trade with countries violating international law against the background of the war in Gaza. |
‘Illiberal’ bill banning boycotts of Israel passes Commons
11/01/2024 A bill aimed at banning local authorities from boycotting Israel has passed the Commons despite being branded as ‘illiberal and draconian’. |
Oxford council ends twinning arrangement with Russian city
07/03/2022 Oxford City Council has become the latest local authority to propose ending twinning arrangements with a Russian city. |
Banning Boycotts—Is history repeating itself?
02/03/2016 In 1988 Margaret Thatcher attempted to stop councils from boycotting apartheid South Africa. Today the Conservatives are trying to stop them from doing the same to Israel. William Eichler explores Whitehall's recent attempt to ban procurement boycotts. |
