The Israel/Palestine conflict makes it on to West Berkshire Council’s executive committee agenda tomorrow (Thursday) with an allegation that its pension fund supports the Israeli military.
The Israel/Palestine conflict is set to feature on West Berkshire Council’s executive committee agenda tomorrow, amid claims that its pension fund supports the Israeli military.
Phoebe Cowhig has raised a public question, stating that research by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign indicates the Berkshire Pension Fund, which West Berkshire Council employees contribute to, invests £134.8 million in firms linked to Israel's military actions.
She highlighted that these investments include companies supplying weapons and technology used against Palestinians, as well as those involved in building illegal settlements in the West Bank.
Cowhig urged the council to follow the lead of seventeen other councils in England and Wales that are divesting from companies contributing to Israel's violations of international law.
Council leader Jeff Brooks will respond during the meeting. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called for an immediate ceasefire, stating it’s essential for achieving lasting peace and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis. He emphasised the necessity of empowering moderates to shift power away from extremist factions.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
