More than 1,000 local councillors across Britain have signed a “Pledge for Palestine” in the run-up to the May local elections, according to campaign organisers.
The initiative, launched by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), calls on elected representatives to uphold what it describes as the rights of the Palestinian people and to ensure their councils are not “complicit” in alleged breaches of international law by Israel.
The pledge commits councillors to examine local authority investments, particularly pension funds, and to pursue divestment from companies linked to arms production and other activities connected to Israel.
Campaigners say the aim is to align council investment policies with ethical standards and international law principles. The PSC reports that signatories span a broad political spectrum, including substantial numbers from the Green Party, Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
Councillors from the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, local political groups and independents have also backed the pledge, reflecting cross-party engagement with the issue.
Supporters argue that the pledge reflects growing public concern about ethical investment policies and solidarity with Palestinians, particularly in light of ongoing conflict in Gaza.
However, critics warn that the campaign risks inflaming tensions at local level and could negatively affect community relations within diverse council areas.
With thousands of council seats being contested in May, the Palestine issue is emerging as a significant talking point in several boroughs and cities, particularly where voters are pressing candidates to clarify their stance on Gaza, divestment and international law.