A significant political movement is emerging across British local governments as over a thousand councillors have formally committed to opposing Israeli policies in Palestinian territories. The pledge, which promises to uphold Palestinian rights and prevent council complicity in violations of international law, has drawn support from across the political spectrum despite condemnation from Israeli officials.
The breakdown of signatories reveals substantial cross-party participation: 383 Green Party councillors, 359 from Labour, 111 Liberal Democrats, and 41 from the Scottish National Party. The movement also includes eight from Your Party, five Conservatives, and numerous independents, demonstrating widespread grassroots support beyond traditional party lines.
Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign with support from several Palestinian advocacy groups including the Palestinian Youth Movement Britain and The Muslim Vote, the initiative has been denounced by the Israeli embassy as “disgraceful effort at intimidation.”
The pledge emerges against a backdrop of increasing tension between local councils and national government guidance. In January, Communities Secretary Steve Reed warned Labour-administered councils they could face legal consequences for boycotting Israeli businesses, referencing 2016 government prohibitions on procurement boycotts.
Despite these warnings, multiple local authorities have recently taken action. Oxford City Council endorsed the BDS movement citing International Court of Justice rulings, while Cumberland Council committed to divest from companies supplying weapons to Israel. Newcastle Council initiated reviews of financial ties with companies allegedly complicit in “genocide and/or illegal occupation,” and pension funds in Islington, Lewisham, Wandsworth and Caerphilly have excluded companies on UN lists of businesses operating in occupied territories.
Labour MP Richard Burgon noted that many Labour councillors signed specifically to distinguish themselves from their party’s national leadership position. Hackney Green councillor Zoe Garbett emphasized the importance of ethical investments and representing constituent demands to end conflicts in Gaza and worldwide.