Speaking at London CND's recent annual conference, Palestine Solidarity's Deputy Director of Campaigns, Ryvka Barnard remind us that Israel's genocide in Gaza continues despite the so-called ceasefire, and outlined the growing attacks and land grabs on the Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. 'It's good news that the British government has so far decided not to join the Board of Peace, Ryvka said but 'absurd that the basis of that rejection seemed to be on the inclusion of Putin, rather than over the fact that it's a straight-on attack on Palestinian self-determination.'

Over the past three years, PSC has been chipping away at Britain's support for Israel. Targeted boycott actions have begun to have an impact and the campaign to persuade local councils to divest from companies involved in Israel's genocide and apartheid is taking hold. Nearly 1,000 local councillors have committed to supporting this work, and 30 local councils are taking action.

After a council motion in July last year, Lewisham has agreed to strengthen its responsible investment policy by reviewing companies complicit in human rights abuses, particularly the occupied territories. Greenwich Council is recently reported to have acknowledged that a clause in its employee pension fund investment strategy was 'unlawful' in response to action by campaigners. Lewisham & Greenwich CND participated these campaigns.

Other Greater London councils which have taken action include Tower Hamlets, supported by campaigning from Tower Hamlets Unison, Southwark, Waltham Forest, and Ealing Councils.

PSC is stepping up this campaign in the coming year. More details and an online lobby tool is available here.

London CND Conference: Ryvka Barnard, on Gaza & Occupied Territories

Video clips of our other conference speakers are available on London CND's YouTube channel.

A conference programme, including speaker bios, is available here, and you can watch the conference in full here.