On 25 September 2025, Edinburgh councillors approved a motion proposed by Green councillor Ben Parker for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
It is the first local authority in Scotland to do so.
This follows the ruling in the Scottish Parliament to back a nationwide BDS of Israel and companies complicit in their military operations.
The Greens stated the move was in response to Israel “collectively punishing, starving, and ethnically cleansing Palestinians”, and the “complete failure” of the UK Government to take practical action.
The city-wide motion aims to reinforce support for the international policy while exploring how it can be adapted to empower local authorities to implement change at a regional level.
Although both motions were passed, the BDS movement in Scotland and Edinburgh faces criticism.
Scottish Conservative councillors Tim Jones and Marie-Claire Munro agree that it isn’t for councils to “take sides in foreign wars.”
Instead, councils should focus on delivering local services, and not “inadvertently inflame tensions locally over matters beyond its control.”
MSP Jamie Halcro-Johnston told The Student that he doesn’t support the end of arms sales as “Israel has the right to defend itself.”
Students share these conflicting views, with one asking, “What’s the point?” and another stating, “It’s about time.”
It will take time to observe the impact of this motion: whether it will cause a ripple effect across councils or harm the local economy.
“Edinburgh City Chambers” by Ronnie Leask is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.