UK trade unions back motion to boycott and sanction Israel
News Source
β’Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:42:00 +0000
π° What Happened
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) passed a motion on Wednesday. It backs the Palestinian-led BDS movement. BDS stands for boycott, divestment and sanctions. The vote happened at the group's yearly conference in Brighton, England.
The TUC speaks for more than 5.3 million UK workers. This is the first time it has backed BDS. The vote was unanimous. The motion calls for an end to arms deals and military ties with Israel, and for wide sanctions.
Union speaker Zita Holborne said the movement must stand with Palestinians. BDS co-founder Omar Barghouti welcomed the vote. But he said it is still far short of what the UK must do.
π The Backstory
BDS began in 2005. Palestinian groups called for it to pressure Israel over its treatment of Palestinians. It asks people, firms and governments to boycott Israeli goods and Israeli-linked companies.
Last week UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband banned imports from Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law. But he said he opposes BDS and will keep normal trade with Israel.
Campaigners called Wednesday's vote a tipping point. Unions have long been a big force in British politics. Their support puts more pressure on the government.
π― Why It Matters
The vote shows how a boycott idea born with activists can move into big institutions. It may change what goods UK shoppers buy and how unions spend money. It also deepens tension over the Israel-Gaza war.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) passed a motion on Wednesday. It backs the Palestinian-led BDS movement. BDS stands for boycott, divestment and sanctions. The vote happened at the group's yearly conference in Brighton, England.
The TUC speaks for more than 5.3 million UK workers. This is the first time it has backed BDS. The vote was unanimous. The motion calls for an end to arms deals and military ties with Israel, and for wide sanctions.
Union speaker Zita Holborne said the movement must stand with Palestinians. BDS co-founder Omar Barghouti welcomed the vote. But he said it is still far short of what the UK must do.
BDS began in 2005. Palestinian groups called for it to pressure Israel over its treatment of Palestinians. It asks people, firms and governments to boycott Israeli goods and Israeli-linked companies.
Last week UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband banned imports from Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law. But he said he opposes BDS and will keep normal trade with Israel.
Campaigners called Wednesday's vote a tipping point. Unions have long been a big force in British politics. Their support puts more pressure on the government.
The vote shows how a boycott idea born with activists can move into big institutions. It may change what goods UK shoppers buy and how unions spend money. It also deepens tension over the Israel-Gaza war.