It's time for Scotland to boycott Israel
The SNP has been urged to back Green calls for the Scottish and UK governments to immediately impose a package of boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel and companies complicit in the genocide in Gaza and the illegal settlements.
The call will be made as an amendment to be moved by Green MSP Patrick Harvie this afternoon as part of a Scottish Government debate on Palestine.
The Scottish Government has previously rejected Green efforts to end support for companies profiting from the genocide in Gaza and the illegal settlements, choosing to continue grants to weapons producers and others.
With a statement ahead of the debate, the Greens have written to the First Minister to propose a range of sanctions that could be applied by his government.
Patrick said:
“The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is getting even worse with every passing day. There is a moral obligation on all governments not only to oppose genocide but to actively work to stop it.
“The Scottish Government has not yet done all it can. It has rightly called on Westminster to end the arms sales that have fuelled the war, but it is still giving grants to the same companies responsible for making those weapons.
“Downing Street’s role has been truly shameful. But their complicity is no excuse for inaction here in Scotland. We do not have the power to stop the arms sales or the illegal settlements, but we can stop supporting those who are profiting from them.
“We are all appalled by the killing and the collective punishment of Palestinians, but words are not enough. We will not be judged by the things we say, but by what we actually do.
“Today’s vote is about moving beyond condemnation and taking practical steps that will make a difference.
“It is a test of our Parliament's commitment to match words with actions and to demand better. I hope that the Scottish Government and MSPs from all parties will back it.”
Text of Patrick Harvie amendment
*S6M-18686.1 Patrick Harvie: Palestine—As an amendment to motion S6M-18686 in the name of Angus Robertson (Palestine), insert at end ", and calls on the Scottish and UK governments to immediately impose a package of boycotts, divestment and sanctions targeted at the State of Israel and at companies complicit in its military operations and its occupation of Palestine."