London, December 17 (RHC)-- The UK’s newly elected conservative government is planning to pass a law making it illegal for any public bodies to engage with the pro-Palestine Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement.

According to reports, the controversial move was announced by the UK’s Special Envoy for post-Holocaust issues, Eric Pickles, during an address at the International Institute for Strategic Dialogue conference in Jerusalem.   Sir Pickles, who is also the chairman of the ‘Conservative Friends of Israel’ lobby group, allegedly referred to the boycott as “anti-Semitic” and an attack on the British way of life.

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, also known as BDS, is a Palestinian-led global campaign fighting for freedom, justice and equality of Palestinians.  Activists from the movement protests against events, organizations, businesses and academics looking to work and trade with illegal Israeli goods and services, in a effort to peacefully halt Israel’s destruction of Palestine.

However, in recent years, activists from the movement claim they are being persecuted across Europe.  With legislation being introduced, by Israel-friendly governments, to outlaw their efforts.  But speaking to activists here in Scotland, they remain determined, despite the hardships.

Activists say the BDS remains a vibrant global movement made up of unions, academic associations, churches and grassroots activists across the world.  All of whom, are not prepared to give up on Palestine anytime soon.