Campaign Update 7
27th July 2007
Here's the latest news from the Stop the Boycott campaign.
BMJ Debate and Poll
- The British Medical Journal conducted a poll and debate last week on the academic boycott of Israel
- In response to this, the Guardian's Comment is Free blog carried an article by Ann Robinson
- You can read it on their website, here
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Gordon Brown opposes boycott
- At his first monthly press conference, Prime Minister Gordon Brown was asked his views on the proposed academic boycott of Israel.
- He replied "Obviously I defend the right of free speech in the universities. I do think it is unfortunate that so many Universities have passed this resolution - University Student Associations - have passed this resolution banning people".
- Gordon Brown has consistently opposed the academic boycott, stating in April at the Board of Deputies Dinner that he "recoil in revulsion at the prospect of boycotts of Israel and the Israeli academic community".
- David Cameron and Sir Menzies Campbell have also opposed the academic boycott.
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Gert Weisskirchen
- Gert Weisskirchen, the Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE on Combating Antisemitism, visited England on Thursday.
- He came specifically in reaction to the various boycott motions passed over the spring.
- While here, he met with the leadership of UNISON, as well as the Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell, and Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
- Unfortunately, his requests to meet the UCU leadership - either in the UK or while they are in Berlin - were unsuccesful.
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Past events
- An anti-boycott talk was held at Alyth Gardens Synagogue last week.
- Lorna Fitzsimons of BICOM and Roger Lyons of Trade Union Friends of Israel spoke and answered questions.
- Around 200 people attended.
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Forthcoming events
- Hendon United Synagogue (Raleigh Close) in will host an anti-boycott this coming Monday 30th July at 8:30pm
Speaking will be:
- Douglas Murray, author and commentator, who debated Ken Livingstone at the "Clash of Civilisations" conference.
- Jeremy Newmark, Chief Executive of the Jewish Leadership Council.
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Early Day Motion:
- Early Day Motion 1603, "University and College Union and and Academic Boycott of Israel", has now closed because Parliament is in recess.
- The motion was signed by 116 MPs when it closed.
- EDMs can only be signed by backbench MPs so this is a good turnout.
- See if your MP signed by clicking here.
