Birmingham councillors chant ‘Free Palestine’ after vote to ban Israel-linked investments

Birmingham City Council voted 54 to 19 for a motion to scrutinise investments linked to Israel, prompting councillors in the chamber to chant “Free Palestine”. The vote begins a review of potential financial links and possible action on human rights grounds; it does not require an immediate withdrawal of funds.

The six-month examination will cover council and West Midlands Pension Fund investments, as well as procurement, banking and commercial dealings. The motion also proposes a cross-authority task group. The Campaign Against Antisemitism and UK Lawyers for Israel raised concerns about community relations and legality, arguing that any action must comply with procurement rules and equality duties.