A recent decision by the government to ban public bodies from following ethical boycotts has met with a strong response. Kevin Smith of Global Justice Now wrote the following letter in reponse which was published by the Independent on 16th February
It’s not only campaigns against illegal Israeli settlements that could be threatened by the controversial clamping down on local councils making decisions based on ethics. This attack on local democracy could also encompass those progressive councils who are shedding their controversial investments in fossil fuel companies that not only trash the climate, but are also embroiled in numerous global human rights controversies.
Fossil fuel divestment provides local councils with the opportunity to re-invest in clean energy projects owned and run by the community, as happens across Germany. Although the Government is failing to support industries and initiatives that are needed to address the climate crisis, they mustn’t also prevent local councils from doing what’s necessary.
Read more at http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/letters/letters-bizarre-idea-to-ban-ethical-boycotts-a6875676.html
You can read up on Global Justice’s climate and energy campaigns here