Contributions
667 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q The Government’s view is that the settlements are illegal; however, we do not support boycotts and divestments against Israel because we do not think that they contribute…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q Just a point of clarification: the Bill only prevents decisions being made on the basis of moral or political disapproval of states as opposed to banning fossil fuels or…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Andrew or Francis, do you want to come in? Professor Tettenborn: I certainly back what Adam Tomkins has said. If we put the boot on the other foot, imagine that we are negotiating…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q There has been quite a lot of talk as to whether councillors can express their own views. The Bill applies only to public bodies, so a councillor can express their own view; it…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q First, can I ask whether you support the BDS movement? Mark Beacon: Unison has consistently advocated for a two-state solution—for a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q I understand that Yachad does not support the BDS movement. Can you explain why? Hannah Weisfeld: I guess I should start by clarifying who we are and what we do. We are a…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q So do you think it is appropriate for councils to support the BDS movement, with all the implications of them getting distracted from their core function—clearly, foreign policy…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q Do you agree that in order to ensure that the ban operates effectively, it needs to cover a wide range of public institutions, including universities? Professor Tettenborn: I am…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q But this Bill does not apply to private individuals or private companies; it applies only to public authorities. The motivation behind the Bill is to have one reserved foreign…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Yes, absolutely. Professor Tettenborn: I think it probably should, but perhaps for reasons different from those for other public authorities. The issue of free speech in…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)I am sorry; I was just about to say, do you agree? Hannah Weisfeld: I do not think we have evidence, and the Committee has not just heard that the people representing local…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q We have heard an awful lot of evidence today that the BDS movement has not contributed to peace in the middle east, but that it has simply targeted Israel and led to community…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q You have addressed the impact that BDS campaigns can have on community cohesion and, clearly, in driving antisemitism. Do you therefore think it important that we specify in the…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q Can you set out why you think this Bill is needed? James Gurd: I think this Bill is a very welcome piece of legislation and will go a long way towards reasserting the UK…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Francis or Adam, do you want to come in on that point? Francis Hoar: Maybe I will let Adam conclude on this, and I will be much more brief. I am ambivalent about universities, to…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q 54 The Government’s assessment is that the Bill does not breach anyone’s rights under article 10 of the European convention on human rights, as the ban that it introduces…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q So you are happy with how the Bill is drafted to apply only to public institutions, not to private individuals. Professor Tomkins: Absolutely, yes.05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q Statements of intent to boycott, even when not implemented, can undermine community cohesion, so do you think it makes sense to prohibit statements of intent to boycott, as we…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q Dr Harris, I do not know if you heard the questions and want to add anything. Dr Harris: If you could repeat the questions, that would be helpful.05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q Does anyone on the panel have a view as to how the Bill compares with other examples of anti-BDS legislation in other jurisdictions across the world? Professor Tomkins: Perhaps…05 Sept 2023