Bromley Council Denies Israeli Investments Amid Pro-Palestine Divestment Calls
Bromley Council has firmly denied holding any direct investments in Israeli arms companies following a petition from pro-Palestine activists demanding full disclosure and divestment. The South London authority stated that international politics fall outside its remit, with one councillor emphasizing that such matters are not the council's business.
Petition and FOI Data Contradict Council's Stance
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Bromley submitted a petition with 940 signatures, claiming the council had £1.3 million invested in arms companies linked to Israel and £4.5 million in 41 arms companies, 15 of which were associated with serious human rights abuses. These figures were reportedly obtained through a 2024 Freedom of Information request.
The petition called for Bromley Council to publish a transparent review of all investments and immediately divest from companies supplying weapons used in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. PSC Bromley, composed of everyday people including doctors, teachers, retirees, and council employees, argued that the council's response did not address indirect investments held through pooled funds.
Council's Response and Upcoming Meeting
Councillor Michael Tickner, chairman of Bromley Council's Pensions Committee, responded to the petition by stating that the council's investments and pension are successfully administered for the benefit of residents and pensioners. He denied any direct investments linked to the Middle East conflict and urged petitioners to lobby their MPs for government sanctions instead.
PSC Bromley expressed concern over the council's failure to fully acknowledge the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reiterated demands for full disclosure. Campaign Chair Shahada Hasan highlighted that a lack of direct investments does not resolve the issue, as many holdings are indirect. She confirmed she will speak at the next full council meeting on March 23, where campaign members plan to attend or protest.
Background and Previous Actions
This dispute follows previous unsuccessful attempts by PSC Bromley to obtain investment information through FOI requests, including an interruption at a council meeting last December. Under council rules, petitioners with over 500 signatures can address the council for up to five minutes if dissatisfied with the response, though they cannot participate in subsequent debates.
The council's stance underscores a broader tension between local governance and international activism, with Bromley maintaining focus on local interests while activists push for ethical investment transparency.
