Scottish council joins worldwide calls for boycott of Israeli goods


Contact your Councillors, organise fellow constituents to meet with them and make sure they join the campaign for human rights and against apartheid and that your Council supports the boycott of all Israeli goods.  If you need information or would like to set up a meeting about Palestine/Israel and the boycott campaign contact us at: campaign@scottishpsc.org.uk

WestDumbartonshire 0Contact your councillor - sample letter

On Wednesday 30 June 2010, West Dunbartonshire Council re-affirmed their position on a boycott of all Israeli goods:

This Council condemns the massacre of 9 peace activists by the Government of Israel, and the continuing blockade of Gaza. Council notes these brave people were trying to deliver 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza which has been blockaded since 2007 by the IDF. This Council therefore re-affirms its current boycott of all Israeli goods. Council also agrees to write to all Scottish Local Authorities, Westminster and Holyrood Governments calling on them to implement an immediate boycott of all Israeli goods.
Motion by Councillor Jim Bollan – Boycott of Israeli Goods

West Dunbartonshire Council had passed the following motion on 28 January 2009:

This Council deplores the loss of life in Palestine which now numbers well over 1,000. This Council also recognises the disproportionate force used by the IDF in Palestine and agrees to boycott all Israeli goods as a consequence.
Officers should immediately cease the purchase of any goods we currently source, which were made or grown in Israel. Officers should also ensure we procure no new goods or produce from Israel until this boycott is formally lifted by WDC.
That the Chief Executive be instructed to write to all other Councils in Scotland with regard to seeking their endorsement of the motion.

West Dunbartonshire Council sent letters to all Scottish Local Authorities, the Prime Minister & Scotland's First Minister on 13 July 2010. Below are the responses so far (as of 3 August 2010):

Council
 Response
Orkney Islands Council (Letter, 22.07.10) Unable to support request, as it would be contrary to Council policy.
Inverclyde Council (Letter, 16.07.10) Acknowledging receipt and confirming that they will be in touch on this matter in due course.
Falkirk Council (Letter, 16.07.10) Acknowledging receipt and advising matter has been passed to the Acting Director of Law & Administration for attention.
East Lothian Council (Letter, 14.07.10) Advising that whilst the Council is happy to support the resolution, it is not our normal practice to take such matters to Council.
Midlothian Council (Email, 22.07.10) Advising the Council position has not changed since the last time it considered a motion on the same subject from WDC (24.02.09) at which time it was agreed to note the letter from WDC.
Aberdeen City Council (Letter, 15.07.10) Advising that the Director of Corporate Governance will provide a response on behalf of the City Council.
East Dunbartonshire Council (Letter, 30.07.10) Advising that the matter will receive attention by this Council at an appropriate meeting.
Minister for Culture and External Affairs o.b.o. First Minister, Scottish Government (Letter, 02.08.10) Advising that the humanitarian needs of Gaza are clear and the response from Scotland and the people of Scotland has been overwhelming. We welcome the recent announcement that Israel is prepared to expand the inflow of materials for civilian projects in Gaza that are under International supervision.

Explaining that the Scottish Government has had a contract with Eden Springs UK Ltd., to supply water within Scottish Government buildings. However, the Scottish Government has now moved to mains-fed water and by 20 August all Eden Springs water fountains will have been removed from Scottish Government buildings.