Scottish Government lagging behind UK Government on Israel boycott
Reported UK Government plans to ban goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are a welcome step forward and a testament to the Palestine solidarity movement, say the Scottish Greens.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce new trade restrictions today. The party has called for the measures to cover services as well as goods, and for the UK Government to end all arms sales to Israel.
Despite the progress being made by the UK Government, the Scottish Government is falling behind.
Last September, the Scottish Parliament voted for the Scottish Green proposal calling on governments to impose boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel and companies complicit in its military operations and occupation of Palestine.
Despite the vote being held over a year ago, the Scottish Government has yet to comply with the Parliament’s decision, raising questions around basic principles of democracy, and dragging Scotland into the being complicit in the genocide in Palestine.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay MSP said:
"Reports that the UK Government intends to ban goods from illegal Israeli settlements is a welcome step in the right direction, and a tribute to the huge solidarity movement that has pressured the UK to demand justice for Palestine.
“Everyone who has marched, campaigned and challenged the government to act, has helped build the pressure for change. This shows exactly why we must keep going.
“Palestinians have endured genocide in Gaza and horrific violence, dispossession and the theft of their land in the West Bank. Ending trade that sustains illegal settlements would be meaningful progress, and should have been done long ago.
“But this must also be followed by an end to all UK arms sales to Israel. We cannot claim to stand up for Palestinian rights and against genocide, while continuing to supply weapons to the state violating them.
“Any loopholes that allow companies to continue profiting from the occupation through services must be closed, and any shred of complicity in genocide must end.
Gillian added:
“The Scottish Government must play its part too. Over a year after Parliament backed our calls for boycotts, divestment and sanctions, SNP ministers have yet to implement Parliament’s decision in full. The SNP Government must listen to Scotland’s parliament, and turn that support into action.
“The Scottish Government must stop waiting for Westminster to step in, and use the powers it has to fully implement Parliament’s democratic decision.”