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 if 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.
I am glad that new legislation will be brought forward to address the points raised in the court case. As set out in the recent Queen's Speech, the Government will legislate to ensure 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.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me.