Latest news with #BDS
Al Jazeera
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
What's behind the EU's lack of action against Israel over Gaza?
European Union summit fails to act on trade agreement despite findings of human rights abuses. A European Union (EU) summit in Brussels called for a ceasefire in Gaza, but not for sanctions against Israel. Germany has led member states in blocking action throughout the war, as others express anger. So what's behind the EU's position on Israel and Gaza? Presenter: Adrian Finighan Guests: Claudio Francavilla – Associate EU director at Human Rights Watch in Brussels Lynn Boylan – Sinn Fein member of the European Parliament and chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Palestine Giorgia Gusciglio – Europe coordinator of campaigns for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement promoting economic pressure against Israel
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow venue closes to 'prioritise safety' after protest
The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow city centre announced it will be shut after a crowd attempted to stage a takeover on Tuesday. On social media, the spot announced: "In light of recent events and ongoing conversations involving the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), we've made the decision to keep the building closed to the public for the remainder of this week. "This is not a decision we take lightly, but we recognise the need to pause. The temporary closure will allow us to prioritise the safety and well-being of our staff and partners, and to create space for reflection. "We understand the strength of feeling being expressed by our community, and we remain committed to engaging with this moment thoughtfully. "We will be sharing further updates in the coming days. Thank you for your support, and for your patience." Glasgow venue closes to 'prioritise safety' after protest (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: LIVE: Huge police presence in city centre as activists stage takeover Palestine protestors took over CCA in Glasgow city centre (Image: Newsquest) We reported at the time that a group of activists staged a sit-in. The action prompted a huge police response, with three police buses, four vans, and a patrol car deployed to the scene. Officers were observed both inside the CCA building and stationed outside on the street. According to the group, the demonstration was sparked by the CCA board's refusal to adopt a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) policy or to endorse the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI).
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Patrick Harvie and Angus Robertson face-off over Israel divestment
Harvie repeatedly pressed the External Affairs Secretary on whether the Scottish Government would "in principle" back the idea, highlighting that BDS was an important movement in bringing down the white supremacist regime in South Africa. Robertson said while he was "open" to looking at other ways Scotland can apply pressure to Israel with the powers it has, he stressed the Government has to "operate within the law". "I am content to have a look at any ways in which we can, subject to the constraints that there are in law, to doing everything that we can, both in terms of our decision making, but also in terms of using our voices," he told the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs committee. READ MORE: Reform set to pick up first Scottish seats in YouGov poll "I'm advised we cannot lawfully impose a blanket ban on support for companies based solely on the fact that companies are listed on the UN database of companies involved in the occupied territories." Robertson said he is 'looking at' Ireland's plan to ban the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but added that trade is a matter reserved to the UK Government. Harvie said he understood there may be legal constraints in relation to BDS, but he continued to push Robertson for an answer on whether he support the concept in principle. The Green MSP pointed out the Scottish Government has used its voice to oppose certain policies it does not have power over previously. "I have said I appreciate the Government must operate within the law but I'm asking about how it uses its voice politically," Harvie said. "The Scottish Government is never shy to say it opposes nuclear weapons. It doesn't have the power to remove nuclear weapons from Scotland. "It is not shy from opposing cuts to social security by the UK Government. It doesn't have the power to change those policies. "So I'm asking the Scottish Government to make a clear principled statement about what it supports, and that will be separate to what it can necessarily do in practice, but what it supports. Does it, in principle support, BDS?" READ MORE: Anas Sarwar backs UK disability benefit cuts as Labour MPs revolt As Robertson tried to begin his answer, Harvie added: "If the answer is no, just say no." Robertson said: "The Government is open to looking at all measures that are legally possible in relation to these questions which is why I am open to understanding ways in which we can apply pressure, and if needs be increases pressure on Israel, because I know others are doing and I gave the Irish example on that. "'I am just saying to Mr Harvie that he needs to understand that in government we have to operate within a legal environment. That is the best I can do on the subject.' Robertson also told Harvie he had not been given any details by the UK Government on what arms export licences to Israel had been suspended and he was continuing to ask for transparency on this. He said: "It troubles me there's still equipment being provided to Israel which will be used as part of the military system which is engaged in Gaza, and the West Bank too." The Palestinian health ministry said this week that Israel's military operation in Gaza has killed more than 56,000 people since October 7, 2023.
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Glasgow arts centre temporarily closes after pro-Palestine protest
The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow was taken over by campaigners from Art Workers for Palestine Scotland on Tuesday. People could be seen sat outside the building blocking the entrance, while traffic was temporarily unable to pass through the area. (Image: NQ) Police confirmed a 63-year-old woman had been arrested, while the details of other participants were taken down by officers as they left the scene. The group had planned to takeover the building from Tuesday until Saturday in protest over the CCA board's recent refusal to adopt a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) policy or endorse the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). The sit-in was set to feature events, workshops and screenings that showcase Palestinian art and culture and interrogate "the complicity of Scottish cultural institutions" in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. On Wednesday, however, the CCA said it would be temporarily closing for the rest of the week, citing "recent events and ongoing conversations" involving the centre. READ MORE: UK Culture Secretary: BBC should not show Kneecap's Glastonbury set In a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday, the CCA said: "In light of recent events and ongoing conversations involving the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), we've made the decision to keep the building closed to the public for the remainder of this week. "This is not a decision we take lightly, but we recognise the need to pause. The temporary closure will allow us to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our staff and partners, and to create space for reflection. "We understand the strength of feeling being expressed by our community, and we remain committed to engaging with this moment thoughtfully. "We will be sharing further updates in the coming days. Thank you for your support, and for your patience." Following Tuesday's protest, police confirmed to The National that a criminal investigation was underway linked to licencing laws.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Zohran Mamdani's 5 major campaign promises
Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic running for New York City Mayor is set to make history as the first Muslim nominee to accede to the position. A far cry from former Mayor Eric Adams, Mamdani is projected to be the upcoming voice of the immigrant, working-class population in the city. As of Wednesday (June 25) morning, Mamdani held a substantial lead over opponent Andrew Cuomo out of the 95% ballots counted at that time. New York City mayoral candidate and Democratic State Representative Zohran Mamdani campaigns in New York City on April 16, 2025. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)(AFP) ALSO READ| Who are Zohran Mamdani's parents? All about father Mahmood Mamdani and mother Mira Nair Mamdani has repeatedly emphasized the need to bring down the racked-up affordability crisis in the city, a strong indicator of his commitment to grassroots-level politics. "This is a city where one in four of its people are living in poverty, a city where 500,000 kids go to sleep hungry every night," he told the BBC at a recent event. "And ultimately, it's a city that is in danger of losing that which makes it so special." He has proposed to introduce a chain of city-owned grocery stores, a rent freeze on all rent-stabilized units, stricter accountability for landlords, and the creation of a Social Housing Development Agency to oversee the construction of 200,000 subsidized housing units over a three-year period. Community benefits In addition, Mamdani has also promised universal childcare for kids aged six weeks to five years. Higher education will be made more affordable by eliminating tuition fees at public colleges and removing property tax exemptions extended to private universities. He also plans to set up a Department of Community Safety meant to enhance public safety measures such as housing assistance, community outreach, and mental health service providers. Increase taxation In order to implement the proposed measures, Mamdani is willing to introduce a 2% city income tax on citizens earning more than $1 million along with an increase in corporate taxes. This additional income is meant to support universal childcare, tuition-free public college (CUNY/ SUNY), expansion of tenant legal support, free public transport, and subsidized grocery stores. Infrastructure and amenities In addition to the subsidized housing facilities, Mamdani has also proposed a plan to make all MTA buses fare-free and freeze subway fares. These measures are meant to increase ridership on these modes of transport, introduce climate protection, cut back on congestion pricing, and provide better infrastructure for those using pedestrian or cycling lanes. Immigration, LGBTQ+ rights and hate crimes Mamdani's views on Israel and Palestine have been a source of contention but also unprecedented due to their open declaration. As a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, he has repeatedly called Israel's actions a 'genocide' and believes that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be imprisoned. While he recognizes the country's legitimacy to exist, he also emphasizes their need to uphold international law and condones all such violence. Previously, he introduced a bill to remove the tax-exempt status granted to certain New York-based charities with ties to Israeli settlements. ALSO READ| Statue of Liberty wears a burqa in MAGA pics after Zohran Mamdani win He is an active supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and plans to set up a special Affairs Office, extend access to gender-affirming healthcare, and grant sanctuary protection to undocumented workers. Granting legal aid and language access to immigrants is another cornerstone of his policy. He has also been quite vocal about emphasizing his Muslim identity throughout the campaign, even recording an entire campaign video in Urdu. The election took place on Tuesday (June 24) and if elected, Mamdani will come to office in November of this year. By Stuti Gupta
