Call For Isle Of Wight Council Pension Fund To Be Invested ‘Ethically’

A motion calling for the Isle of Wight Council’s pension funds to be invested more ‘ethically’ is set to be debated today (Wednesday).

The proposal has been put forward by Cllr Chris Jarman, who is urging the authority to align its investments with international law and human rights.

It comes in response to concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Cllr Jarman citing the blockade of aid and the displacement of Palestinians.

His motion also condemns the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, as well as what he describes as “disproportionate” military action in Gaza by Israeli forces.

If approved, the council’s pension fund committee would be asked to write to fund managers, national pension oversight bodies and the government, encouraging them to avoid investments linked to companies enabling or profiting from the conflict.

The move follows a legal notice issued nationally by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, urging all local authority pension schemes to review their investments.

Isle of Wight councillors will discuss the motion at County Hall this evening from 6pm.