BDS co-founder Omar Barghouti says UK government 'trying to silence' pro-Palestinian voices

A co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel has accused the UK government of "trying to silence" advocates of Palestinian rights.

Omar Barghouti spoke with The New Arab about Communities Secretary Michael Gove's controversial anti-boycott bill, which is currently making its way through parliament.

Barghouti said that if the proposed law - which would apply to public bodies like local councils - is passed, the government can use it as a template against the climate and racial justice movements and trade unions.

"With the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, with increasing social mobility against injustices, this government wants to shut down, basically, all this protest," he added.

"And their best way – the easiest way to do it: start with the Palestinians. Start with BDS. They see us as the weakest link.

"So, by trying to silence voices advocating Palestinian rights, this government is using us as guinea pigs, as a test lab, to pass repression against every progressive movement, especially trade unions."

While BDS is the primary target of the anti-boycott bill, the proposed legislation would also prevent public bodies from carrying out their own economic campaigns against countries other than Israel.

Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the @BDSmovement, has accused the UK govt of "trying to silence" advocates of Palestinian rights. Barghouti spoke with The New Arab about British MP Michael Gove's controversial anti-boycott bill, which is currently making its way through parliament: pic.twitter.com/jV37oUbSlQ

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) August 22, 2023

The New Arab's extended interview with Omar Barghouti is coming soon.