A government bill aimed at banning councils from imposing boycotts on Israeli goods is expected to be presented next week. The proposed legislation will prevent public bodies from adopting their own approach to international relations, including through sanctions and divestment campaigns. The Telegraph reported that Michael Gove, the Cabinet minister responsible for local government, will introduce the legislation. Gove told the paper that the boycott of goods from Israel leads to “appalling antisemitic rhetoric and abuse”. He said: “It is simply wrong that public bodies have been wasting taxpayers’ time and money pursuing their own Foreign Policy agenda. “The UK must have a consistent approach to foreign policy, set by UK government. “These campaigns not only undermine the UK’s foreign policy but lead to appalling antisemitic rhetoric and abuse. That is why we have taken this decisive action to stop these disruptive policies once and for all.” The boycott, divestment and sanctions bill was first set out in the Queen’s speech in 2022 after a commitment in the 2019 Conservative general election manifesto. Accompanying documentation …

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