Summary
Over 1,000 local councillors in England have signed a pledge supporting Palestinian rights as local elections approach. The pledge, initiated by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, encourages councils to adopt policies that align with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The campaign is backed by several grassroots organizations and aims to influence the upcoming May local elections.
Key Facts
- More than 1,000 councillors in England have signed a Palestinian support pledge.
- The pledge is part of a campaign by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign that began in December.
- Signatories include councillors from the Green Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, and others.
- The pledge promotes adherence to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
- Councils manage pension funds worth over £12.2 billion, with claims these are linked to violations of international law.
- Thirty-one councils have shown support for divesting from companies associated with Israeli arms.
- Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn supports making Palestine a key issue for future elections.
- The May local elections are seen as an important test for the Labour government.
