Boycott Bill campaign
The Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill has been introduced in Parliament by Minister Michael Gove. The bill will ban public bodies from taking part in boycotts or divesting from foreign states that are committing, or are complicit in committing, human rights abuses when such actions would diverge from current British foreign policy.
This is part of a wider set of laws put forward by the Government to curb civil liberties and rights to protest, including the Public Order Act, the Nationalities and Borders Act and the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act.
The Bill:
- Singles out Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the Occupied Golan Heights as the sole territories which are to be protected in almost all circumstances from divestment by public bodies in the UK. This Bill allows for Israel to act without any UK accountability – something that is not expected of any other nation or state.
- S.4 of the bill prohibits those working for bodies covered by the bill – including elected representatives – from expressing views in favour of boycotts if it was permissible to do so.
- Failing to differentiate between Israel’s recognised borders and the occupied Palestinian territories is a significant and worrying departure from international consensus and British foreign policy to date.
- Michael Gove, Minister responsible for the bill told the Guardian that “These [boycott] campaigns not only undermine the UK’s foreign policy but lead to appalling antisemitic rhetoric and abuse. That is why we have taken this decisive action to stop these disruptive policies once and for all.”
Na’amod wants to end British Jews’ support for the Occupation – and this Bill protects Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Territories, thus exempting it from UK accountability. Even though this Occupation is illegal under international law, the Bill in effect treats the OPT as part of Israel.
This bill instrumentalises our fears of antisemitism to undermine civil liberties and Palestinian human rights. We know that Jewish safety and Palestinian freedom are intertwined, not in opposition. Rather than fostering good relations, the Bill pits Jewish safety against civil and human rights struggles, jeopardising Jewish safety instead of safeguarding it.
HERE’S SOME OF THE WORK WE’VE BEEN DOING TO PROTEST THE BILL AND RAISE AWARENESS AMONGST UK JEWS:
Banner drop off Westminster Bridge
When the bill was due to be tabled in parliament, a group of Na’amodniks gathered at Westminster to drop a huge banner off Westminster bridge and unfurl it outside the houses of parliament.
“Bad for Jews, bad for Palestinians, bad for democracy. British Jews say STOP THE BOYCOTT BILL.”
Conservative Party Conference protest
A group of Na’amodniks went to the 2022 Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham to spread our message of discontent at the forthcoming bill and to say – NOT IN OUR NAME.
Boycott Bill webinar
We hosted a webinar with a fantastic group of guest speakers to discuss the bill, its ramifications, and what we can do about it.
MP letter writing campaign
Na’amodniks gathered to send letters to their MPs to show opposition to the bill and how it has been positioned in the name of protecting Jewish safety.
We’re able to resist the Boycott Bill due to the backing of donors, who help us sustain our organising efforts and build towards the future we want to see.
Campaigns, training initiatives, and movement building all require resources. Our expanding vision necessitates solid financial grounding. That’s where you come in.
By donating to Na’amod today, you become a vital cornerstone in our pursuit of justice, equality, and freedom for Palestinians and Israelis. As we envision a British Jewish community that stands resolutely against the occupation, your contribution will pave the way for a world where shared values guide our journey towards a brighter tomorrow.
Donate here and be a driving force for transformation. Your gift, regardless of its size, fuels our mission and brings us closer to a world that values dignity for all.
Thank you for standing by Na’amod, where every action counts, and every donation creates a ripple of change.