Derry IPSC to address council over Boycott Divestment and Sanctions policy

Catherine Hutton, chairperson, Derry Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, addressing the crowd at the Bridgil for Palestine held on the Peace Bridge on New Year's Eve. PHOTO: Tom Heaney

placeholder image — Catherine Hutton, chairperson, Derry Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, addressing the crowd at the Bridgil for Palestine held on the Peace Bridge on New Year's Eve. PHOTO: Tom Heaney

Derry IPSC chairperson Catherine Hutton will speak to councillors at Tuesday's meeting of the council's Governance and Strategic Planning Committee

Derry IPSC chairperson Catherine Hutton is set to address a meeting of Derry and Strabane Council in regard to the full implementation of the council's position of boycotting Israel.

Ms Hutton will speak to councillors at Tuesday's meeting of the council's Governance and Strategic Planning Committee.

Ms Hutton claims that there is 'growing frustration' at council inaction and perceived breaches of their Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) position.

"The Derry Branch of Ireland Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) was deeply concerned about recent meetings held by Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr and the Derry and Strabane District Council team with pro-Israel politicians during a trade mission to the United States," Ms Hutton said. "These meetings have sparked palpable anger among local Palestine supporters and have raised serious concerns about the council's commitment to Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions.

"A council working group to ensure the effective implementation of the council's BDS policy has barely met and brought forward nothing of substance to further the issue.

"Derry IPSC are concerned that the BDS policy of the council is being used as window dressing for political representatives who claim support for Palestine, instead of a practical and implementable position.

"The BDS policy was agreed by the council in October 2016, making Derry one of the first areas to make BDS a corporate policy.

"This presentation will highlight the importance of maintaining and strengthening the BDS policy, especially considering the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

"We want to establish Derry and Strabane as 'Apartheid Free Zones', Derry and Strabane District Council are a key partner in this ethical mission.

"Derry IPSC will strive to work with the council and its officers to make this region a beacon of human rights and solidarity. "

"Derry IPSC urges supporters to attend the full Council meeting at the Guildhall on Tuesday, January 7 from 3.30pm. The deputation will speak at 4.00pm. The public gallery will be open."