“This is a significant victory, as another council recognises its profound moral and legal duty not to be complicit in Israel’s genocide, military occupation and apartheid against Palestinians.”
Lewis Backon, Campaigns Officer at Palestine Solidarity Campaign
By the Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Campaigners have welcomed Tower Hamlets Council commitment to divest its Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund from companies enabling Israel’s violations of Palestinian rights. The decision was made at a full council meeting on Wednesday 22nd January with only one vote against.
The decision comes after months of campaigning by the Tower Hamlets Coalition for Ethical Investment, which brings together Tower Hamlets Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Tower Hamlets UNISON, and the Tower Hamlets Trades Union Council.
The coalition has coordinated a petition for divestment signed by over 1600 people who live, study or work in the borough, and has lobbied meetings of the council’s Pension Committee.
The commitment makes Tower Hamlets Council the fourth council in London to make a pledge to begin divestment after Waltham Forest Council and Islington Council made commitments in July, and Lewisham Council’s Pension Committee passed a motion in September stating its intention to “move away” from companies involved in the arms trade and human rights abuses.
Previous research by Palestine Solidarity Campaign has found that Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds, administered by local councils across Britain, invest over £4.6billion in companies complicit in Israel’s violations of international law.
Campaigners have vowed to keep building pressure on the council to ensure the commitment to divest is carried through.
🚨After months of campaigning, Tower Hamlets council has passed a motion committing to DIVEST its Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund from arms companies producing weapons used in Israel’s crimes against Palestinians 🧵(1/5) pic.twitter.com/6swYYBC8lP
— Palestine Solidarity Campaign (@PSCupdates) January 22, 2025
In response to the victory, Sybil Cock, Chair of Tower Hamlets PSC said:
“It is fantastic news that Tower Hamlets Council has listened to pension scheme members and local residents and committed to divest from companies enabling Israel’s war crimes against Palestinians.
The council has recognised its duty to cease all financial ties to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, and its unlawful military occupation, and not to be complicit in the destruction of the planet.
This isn’t the end of our campaign. We will maintain pressure on the council until it divests from all companies enabling human rights abuses and climate destruction.”
Lewis Backon, Campaigns Officer at Palestine Solidarity Campaign commented:
“This is a significant victory, as another council recognises its profound moral and legal duty not to be complicit in Israel’s genocide, military occupation and apartheid against Palestinians.
All councils must follow suit – and commit to divest from all companies enabling Israel’s crimes as quickly as possible.”
Kerie Anne, Branch Secretary of Tower Hamlets UNISON responded:
“It is no surprise that people who dedicate their lives to providing local government and education support services don’t want to see their pension pots invested in death, destruction and mutilation. UNISON applauds the mayor and councillors from across the chamber for listening to our members and the community by making this public stand in support of social justice.”
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