STATEMENT
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has expressed deep concern regarding the proposed Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill.
The Bill is tantamount to a restriction on freedom of expression in the public sector, specifically insofar as the application of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement is concerned, and is a profoundly unconstructive response to the pursuit of accountability for human rights abuses against the Palestinian people.
BDS is an exercise in peaceful protest, and very much in-line with the principles of freedom of expression, both fundamental rights protected by law in democratic societies such as the United Kingdom. As such, a Bill selectively prohibiting peaceful protest against human rights abuses in one instance, serves to undermine the right to protest, and freedom of expression as a whole.
Constructive dialogue with stakeholders across civil society is crucial at this juncture. It is of paramount importance that everyone retains the right to express opposition to human rights abuses, wherever they may occur in the world.
ENDS