Key Facts

• George Howarth apologises to the attendees before asking them to leave for a private discussion.
• The witnesses are Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UK Lawyers for Israel, and Steven Barrett from Radcliffe Chambers.
• Questions should be limited to matters within the scope of the Bill.
• The point of order was raised by Wayne David regarding comments made about an absent witness.
• George Howarth clarified that it is acceptable for witnesses to comment on previous evidence but not a formal point of order.
• Steven Barrett expresses concerns about paragraph 6 of the Bill being a constitutional aberration.
• Paragraph 6 is seen as conceding sovereignty to an amorphous entity like international law.
• Paragraph 4 on finance is considered woolly and could use tightening.
• The Bill restricts public bodies from considering human rights records when making procurement or investment decisions.
• Public procurement in the UK accounts for 14% of GDP according to OECD figures.
• Clause 1 of the Bill impacts civil society organizations' ability to advocate for environmental and social change.
• The Bill may prevent public bodies from making ethical procurement decisions.
• Concerns are raised about the impact of the Bill on fossil fuel divestment campaigns.
• The legislation could potentially restrict actions against organisations affiliated with certain countries, impacting companies like Saudi Aramco and Gazprom.
• The Bill aims to restrict public bodies' ability to engage in activities related to business and human rights.
• There is concern that the Bill could prevent public bodies from complying with their responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
• A key point raised is the lack of definitive evidence linking public procurement and investment to discrimination, as stated in paragraphs 60, 61, and 64 of the Government’s impact assessment.
• The Bill creates uncertainty regarding public bodies' procurement decisions.
• Richard Hermer argues that the Bill places unprecedented restrictions on public authorities.
• The Bill uniquely protects Israel, the occupied territories, and the Golan Heights from being placed on a list of exceptions.
• The session focuses on Clause 4 of the Bill referred to as a 'gagging clause'.
• Richard Hermer argues that Clause 4 may be incompatible with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
• George Howarth allows for additional questions within the remaining time.
• Melanie Phillips is a British journalist living in Israel.
• The BDS movement targets Israel almost exclusively and impacts Jewish community cohesion.
• Clause 4 prohibits statements of intent to boycott, which Melanie supports as it prevents community division.
• George Howarth thanked Melanie Phillips for her testimony.
• There is a recognition that all Bills can benefit from amendment.
• The Committee ordered further consideration be adjourned.