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Public institutions, including local councils,
will be prevented from setting up boycotts against
countries such as Israel
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Government is clear that it will make foreign
policy decisions, not local authorities
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Minister tells institutions to focus on their day
job instead of boycotts which sow division and
hatred
The move will prevent organisations, including local
councils, from boycotting countries such as Israel.
It will make sure there is a coherent approach to foreign
relations from all public institutions, guaranteeing they
do not go beyond the Government’s official foreign policy
by implementing policies which undermine community
cohesion.
Such policies have led to concerns about anti-Semitism
being legitimised through actions such as Jewish films
being censored and Jewish university societies being
threatened with bans.
The Minister for the Cabinet Office, said:
Our public institutions should focus on their day job,
not try to set foreign policy by making rules on which
countries they will and won’t do business with.
By stopping this unsanctioned activity we can get better
value for taxpayers and put an end to boycotts that
divide communities and sow hatred.
The commitment will prevent public institutions from
creating independent sanctions and boycotts against:
- Foreign countries or those linked to them
- The sale of goods and services from foreign countries
- UK firms which trade with such countries
Both the Cabinet Office and Ministry for Housing,
Communities and Local Government have previously published
guidance against such boycotts. The new policy will provide
for a firmer approach.
It is also a long-standing principle that there may be
restrictions on taxpayer-funded public institutions that do
not apply to private bodies. For example, public bodies
cannot engage in party political campaigning.
The Government will examine the appropriate mix of
legislative and other measures to give effect to this
policy over the coming Parliament.
