Councillor Susan Brown, the Leader of Oxford City Council, has written to Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Councillor Brown wrote to confirm the Council’s opposition to the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill, commonly referred to as the 'Anti-Boycott Bill'.
Passed on its third reading in the House of Commons on January 10, the Bill is now progressing through the House of Lords.
The effect of the Bill
The Anti-Boycott Bill aims to constrain the actions of democratically elected councillors in determining local procurement policies. Specifically targeting the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, the Bill seeks to prevent public bodies from making decisions regarding investment and procurement that do not align with UK government foreign or economic trade policies.
More than 60 charities, campaign groups, civil society organisations, and trade unions have publicly opposed the legislation.
Comment
“This Bill restricts the rights of local councils to determine local procurement policies. We are proud of our local procurement policies that advocate for the preservation of human rights, investment in local businesses and ethical principles.
“The Council firmly believes that the Anti-Boycott Bill is an anti-democratic measure that restricts the ability of public bodies to consider ethics and human rights in their decision-making processes. It also undermines the historic role of ethical boycotts, which have played a pivotal role in campaigns for justice, notably in the struggle against the Apartheid regime in South Africa.
“We were honoured to receive a visit from Nelson Mandela in 1997 when we were able to give him the Freedom of the City of Oxford in an incredibly moving ceremony. He came to visit us because of Oxford’s prominent role in the anti-apartheid movement which included boycotts of South African goods and services.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
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