Historic change was brought about in my home country thanks in no small part to the anti-apartheid protests and campaigns around the world. By boycotting sports, and goods such as wine and oranges, the world put pressure on South Africa that led to the end of the brutal apartheid regime. Now, the UK government is trying to force through an authoritarian piece of legislation that would outlaw similar boycotts – actions that are a vital form of democratic protest. That is, unless my fellow peers stand with me in opposing this bill in the House of Lords.
The economic activity of public bodies (overseas matters) bill, better known as the “anti-boycott bill”, is attempting to pick up where Margaret Thatcher’s government left off: banning public bodies from boycotting goods and businesses they believe are conducting problematic activity overseas. The bill is explicit in its focus on Israel, but history shows us that it would also have far-reaching and dangerous consequences for free speech and for human rights too.
