UCU Congress 2009 draft motions document
- UCU's initial motions document, for its 2009 annual Congress, was published this week.
- There is no motion calling for an academic boycott of Israel in the draft paper.
- However, several Motions hostile to Israel were submitted by UCU branches for debate at their annual conference.
- The motions are varied; for example the NEC's motion, while critical of Israel, also condemns "the use of rockets against Israeli civilians"
- Some are much more hostile, calling for an arms embargos, the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador, recognition of Hamas and a ban on settlement goods.
- There are no other motions relating to international issues this year.
Speaking for Stop the Boycott, Jeremy Newmark, CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council, said:
"The absence of a motion on boycotting Israel on UCU's draft order paper is undoubtedly a sign of progress. We also welcome the National Executive Committee's more balanced position on Israel, especially as last year the Executive itself proposed a boycott.
However, the draft motions still attack Israel from all directions - this is an ‘anything but boycott' document that singles out Israel as the only country for condemnation and sanction. UCU members should reject these motions at their Congress.
Stop the Boycott will continue to monitor the situation in the Union, and will work to ensure that such a motion does not appear in the final motions document."
