Over 1,000 UK Council Members Pledge Non-Cooperation with Israel Ahead of May Elections

UK Council Members Rally for Palestinian Rights

Over 1,000 local council members across the United Kingdom have formally committed to prioritizing the Palestinian cause, signing a declaration that calls for non-cooperation with Israel. The 'Councillor Pledge for Palestine' was launched by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) in December and is supported by the Vote Palestine 2026 coalition. This initiative aims to elevate Palestinian rights as a central issue in the crucial local elections scheduled for May.

The pledge, which garnered 1,028 signatories as of late February 2026, urges elected representatives to uphold Palestinian rights and ensure their councils are not complicit in what they describe as 'Israel's violations of international law.' A key component of this commitment involves divesting council pension funds from companies implicated in these alleged violations.

The 'Councillor Pledge for Palestine' Details

The 'Councillor Pledge for Palestine' outlines specific actions for local government officials. Signatories commit to:

• Upholding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
• Ensuring their council is not complicit in, and does not help to normalize, Israel's alleged violations of international law.
• Divesting pensions and any other funds administered by the council from complicit companies through its procurement policies.

Research conducted by the PSC indicates that local council-administered pension funds collectively invest over £12.2 billion in companies with links to Israel, including arms manufacturers. This financial connection is a primary target for the non-cooperation movement.

Broad Political Support and Electoral Impact

The pledge has attracted support from a diverse political spectrum within UK local government. Among the 1,028 signatories, 345 are Green Party members, 338 are from the Labour Party, and 104 are Liberal Democrats. Additionally, the pledge includes council members from the Scottish National Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru, the Scottish Greens, local parties, and independents, with three Conservatives also signing.

Notable signatories include Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali, Trafford councillor and by-election candidate Hannah Spencer, Labour's Matthew Brown (leader of Preston City Council), and independent MP and Birmingham councillor Ayoub Khan. The 'Vote Palestine 2026' coalition, which includes groups like the Palestinian Youth Movement Britain, The Muslim Vote, the British Palestinian Committee, and the Palestinian Forum in Britain, aims to mobilize voters to support candidates who have signed the pledge.

Calls for Divestment and Non-Complicity

The movement emphasizes the importance of local governments refraining from cooperation with Israel over alleged human rights violations and violence against Palestinians. It also calls for an end to partnerships with companies linked to such activities. Already, 31 councils have passed motions or issued statements supporting pension fund divestment from firms deemed complicit in Israel's actions.

Dan Iley-Williamson, a political organizer at the PSC, stated, 'The mass movement for Palestine – which has brought millions onto Britain's streets – is not going away. Vote Palestine will take our demands into the May elections and deliver a message to those seeking office: if you want our votes, stand up for Palestine.' This collective action underscores a growing sentiment within parts of UK local politics to align municipal policies with international human rights standards ahead of the upcoming elections.