Response from Local Government Minister to Board’s letter on investment in conflict zones

The Board has today received a letter from Local Government Minister Alison McGovern MP setting out the government’s view on making investment decisions based on boycott, divestment and sanctions reasons. The letter follows on from the Board’s letter to the minister on 13 October 2025 in response to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) letter and position paper received by many funds in August 2025.

The response states:

‘The Government’s position is clear: decisions on boycotts, divestment and sanctions are matters of UK foreign policy and are for central government, not local authorities. It is therefore not appropriate for local authorities to adopt investment policies that go beyond or differ from UK Government sanctions or foreign policy positions.’

The Board welcomes that a response has been provided and will continue to assess any appropriate further steps to take in supporting funds in these matters.