The British parliament on Monday debated for the first time a BDS bill that would prevent public bodies in Britain from boycotting or diverting acquisition and investment offers in a way that is influenced by political considerations.
The law is being promoted by British Housing Secretary Michael Gove and is expected to curb anti-Israel BDS activity in the country if promoted by government bodies, universities, etc. Earlier this week, Gove said: "It is wrong that public bodies are wasting taxpayers' time and money to advance their foreign policy agenda. The UK must have a consistent approach to foreign policy, set by the UK government."
Protest signs in London ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit
Gove also said, as reported by JNS, that "campaigns calling for a boycott of Israel not only undermine Britain's foreign policy but lead to shocking antisemitic rhetoric." The bill that came up in parliament yesterday states that public bodies (local government, police, courts, universities, etc.) cannot take a manner motivated by political and moral positions and discriminate against or boycott countries or territories. The legislation will result in penalties if a public body biases procurement, investment, and supplier selection decisions in a way that is influenced by political considerations.
Protests in London against Israel, photo: AFP
According to the law, enforcement will be done by the relevant ministries, who will inform the entities that they are acting in violation of the law. The bill, which began in the lower house, is expected to pass three readings and debates in a parliamentary committee in which the opposition can propose changes and amendments. The bill will then go to the House of Lords for further amendments. The final stage is a vote in the lower house on the final version of the law and the king's signature that makes the law official. Britain told Israel Hayom that there is no defined timeframe for the end of the legislative process, but it is estimated that it will be completed by the end of the current government's term.
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