Thank you for contacting me about the Israel-Britain Alliance campaign on local government pensions guidance and foreign policy.
At issue in the case was whether the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 conferred the necessary powers to the Secretary of State for two provisions in the Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) Regulations 2016. Although the Supreme Court upheld the High Court decision, I would note that the decision passed by only a bare majority.
Please be assured that the Government is committed to ensuring public bodies are consistent with investments and stop introducing local boycotts, which undermine community cohesion and sow distrust. I do not believe it is right for local councils to try to influence foreign policy decisions which are properly the purview of the UK Government. To address the points raised in the case, l have been assured new legislation will be brought in to ensure the technical aspects are considered.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me.