At the full council yesterday, campaigners and Sheffield Green Councillors achieved a partial victory as Sheffield Council unanimously passed a landmark resolution calling on South Yorkshire Pensions Authority to become an ethical investor.
Although the original motion – which called for divestment from the arms trade, fossil fuels and Israeli government bonds – was substantially watered down by Labour and Lib Dem Councillors, this vote was important as Sheffield Council for the first time called for the investments made on its behalf (the employer’s contributions to the Local Government Pension Scheme) to be invested ethically.
The original Sheffield Green Group motion followed numerous resolutions brought around the country by Green and Independent Councillors calling for divestment of Local Government Pension Schemes from investments in Israel, fossil fuels and weapons companies.
Councillor Paul Turpin said:
“While we are disappointed that the full text of our motion did not pass it’s still a huge victory for campaigners and vindication of Sheffield Green Party’s principled position in defending international law, the rights of Palestinians and seeking an end to the genocide. This vote marks a small step on the road to justice and equality”.
Councillor Toby Mallinson said:
“This month Sheffield will welcome a delegation from the Palestinian city of Nablus with which we recently entered into a friendship agreement. As part of the steering committee of the Sheffield Nablus friendship group, I am really looking forward to welcoming the delegation and strengthening ties between Sheffield and Palestine, in solidarity with its people who are facing the threat of continued genocide; contending with Israel’s cruel system of apartheid, occupation and ethnic cleansing inflicted with the support of Western Governments.”
References
Agenda for Council Meeting 5/2/25
