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UK’s Bristol council votes for divesting from companies linked to Israel war crimes

January 20, 2025 at 2:13 pm

A pedestrian walks past a huge Palestinian flag and Palestine flag bunting during a protest in Bristol, UK on 21 March 2024 [Martin Pope/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images]

Bristol City Council in the UK has passed a motion calling for divestment from companies linked to Israeli war crimes in Gaza and the arms trade, marking a significant milestone for the Palestine solidarity movement.

Proposed by Green Party Councillor Shona Jemphrey, the motion passed overwhelmingly with 57 out of 70 votes last week, following months of advocacy by local campaigners.

Held a day before a ceasefire was announced, the motion urged an immediate and lasting ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and encouraged local government pension funds, which the council does not directly manage,“to develop an ethical investment policy.”

It specifically calls for divestment from arms manufacturers and companies identified by the United Nations as being involved in activities within illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) praised the council’s decision, stating: “We are proud that our city has voted to stand with the Palestinian people in their hour of greatest need.”

Charlie, a Palestine activist in Bristol, highlighted the significance of the motion, explaining that the Avon pension fund, which is overseen by Bath and North East Somerset Council, represents over 450 employers and more than 135,000 members across the region. Valued at £5.8 billion ($7.07 billion), the fund includes over £18.8 million ($22.9 million) in investments tied to companies like Northrop Grumman and Safran, which supply arms and equipment to Israeli occupation forces.

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While the motion doesn’t guarantee immediate divestment, Charlie emphasised its importance as a foundation for advocacy. “The hope is that council representatives will go to the pension fund and argue for divestment. Divestment is very important and measurable so it’s something we can win concrete victories on,” said Charlie.

The success follows months of grassroots campaigning, including protests and direct lobbying of councillors. Although the Green Party leads Bristol City Council with 34 of 70 seats, the process required persistent public pressure.

Charlie added: “In terms of next steps, the council is a good target – we need to make sure there is divestment.”

While more work remains to ensure actual divestment, campaigners view the vote as a major step forward. PSC urged activists across Britain to draw inspiration from Bristol’s example and push for similar measures in their own communities, demanding institutions sever financial ties with companies complicit in Israeli policies.