The British government is reportedly set to advance legislation that would block all public institutions in the United Kingdom from participating in a boycott against Israel. Top British minister said set to announce intiative to allow government to prosecute BDS-supporting public institutions
According to the International Business Times, Cabinet Officer Minister Matthew Hancock will announce the new proposed regulations this week during a trip to Israel. The bill will allow the government to prosecute universities, local government, councils, and student unions that back the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The report did not mention whether the proposal distinguishes between Israel and the settlements.
“This move is very welcome,” said MP Eric Pickles, the head of Conservative Friends of Israel. “The attempt by the irresponsible left to demonize Israel is bad for British business, bad for the local taxpayer, and deeply damaging to community relations. It encourages anti-Semitism and strives to make a municipal foreign policy contrary to the interests of the UK.”
Last year, the European Union, over strenuous Israeli objections, adopted a policy requiring the labeling of goods manufactured in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a practice that would facilitate the targeting of settlement businesses.
timesofisrael
Engeland: Boycotten van Israël wordt strafbaar