Scottish Greens urge government to implement Israel sanctions

The Scottish Green Party is calling on First Minister John Swinney to include plans for the full implementation of boycotts and sanctions against Israel in his upcoming government program. As the Scottish Parliament reconvenes, party members are urging the government to terminate all contracts with companies identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as being involved in the seizure of Palestinian territories in occupied West Bank.

Additionally, the Greens are requesting that local authorities be granted the power to support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This includes a call to repeal legislation from the Margaret Thatcher era that prevents public procurement decisions from being based on geographic origin. Patrick Harvie, a Scottish Green MP, stated that the government should use all available powers to ensure public funds do not profit companies involved in apartheid or genocide, suggesting the new government program should serve as a ‘moment of change’ regarding these ties.