A protester chants during a march organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in London
Over 1,000 UK councillors sign Palestine solidarity pledge
The pledge urges councillors to ensure councils avoid complicity in alleged Israeli violations of international law as signatories promise actions like divesting pension funds from arms companies profiting from the conflict.
Saturday 21/02/2026
A protester chants during a march organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in London
LONDON - More than 1,000 UK local councillors from various parties have signed a "pledge of solidarity" for Palestinians, committing to uphold Palestinian rights and push councils to divest from companies linked to Israel's actions in Gaza, according to Sky News
Launched by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign with support from groups like the Palestinian Youth Movement Britain and The Muslim Vote, the pledge urges councillors to ensure councils avoid complicity in alleged Israeli violations of international law. Signatories promise actions like divesting pension funds from arms companies profiting from the conflict.
The Israeli embassy in London called the pledge a "disgraceful effort at intimidation" and called for the boycott to be rejected, while Labour Friends of Israel figures like Lord Steve McCabe labeled it a "dangerous road" interfering in local elections and promoting council foreign policies. Israel denies genocide accusations in Gaza.
The 1,028 signatories include 345 Greens, 338 Labour members, 104 Liberal Democrats, 38 SNP representatives, 17 from Plaid Cymru, 12 independents, and even three Conservatives.
High participation appears in areas like Islington (59% of councillors), Tower Hamlets, Sheffield (24%), and Bradford (29%), often driven by local resident demands.
The Hackley council told Sky News they're committed to taking further steps towards divesting their pension fund investments.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign coordinates "Divest for Palestine" efforts, highlighting over £4.4 billion in Local Government Pension Scheme investments in implicated firms.
Activists argue these funds fuel Israel's actions, labeled as genocide by protesters, demanding ethical realignment.
With May 2026 local elections approaching, campaigners like PSC's Dan Iley-Williamson frame the pledge as a voter mandate, warning candidates to support Palestine for votes.
Labour's control of many councils might be in jeopardy as a result of their dire poll ratings. Prime Minister Keir Starmer did recognise Palestinian statehood in September, but many on the left of his party criticised him for not going further on the genocide in Gaza.
The councillors’ pledge signals shifting institutional stances on the Gaza crisis as anger about the fate of the Palestinians has long been a big factor in British politics.