Highlands and Islands Green MSP Ariane Burgess has called on the Scottish Government to take immediate action following the First Minister’s statement recognising Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide.
Speaking in Parliament, Burgess and her Scottish Green colleagues urged the government to align with the global campaign for boycotts, divestments and sanctions (BDS) against Israel and companies complicit in human rights abuses.
Proposals brought forward by the Greens include reforming procurement laws to let councils exclude such firms, withdrawing public funding from arms dealers and companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements, and introducing business rate penalties for those profiting from the conflict.
One example cited was construction giant JCB, which the United Nations has identified as contributing to the building of illegal settlements on Palestinian land.
Ariane Burgess said the Scottish Government had a duty to follow its words with action.
“The First Minister has acknowledged that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
“That recognition must now be matched with meaningful action.
“If we are serious about standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people, we must ensure that public money in Scotland is not supporting companies that profit from this violence.”
She also questioned the consistency of Scotland’s response to international crises.
“In 2022, the Scottish Government rightly urged businesses to sever ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
“We must now apply the same moral clarity to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“Palestinian lives are no less valuable.”
Burgess praised the ongoing work of the Highland Palestine group, whose vigils and community events have kept the issue visible across the region.
“The compassion and commitment shown by the Highland Palestine group is a powerful reminder that people across the Highlands care deeply about justice and human rights.
“Their work ensures that the voices of Palestinians are not forgotten, and I commend them for their continued advocacy.”
She concluded by urging the government to turn statements into action.
“The Scottish Government has the power to act and the people of Scotland expect it to.
“We must move beyond statements and take real steps to end our complicity in this humanitarian catastrophe.”
