UKLFI has written to the Trustees of the University of Manchester Students’ Union (UMSU) urging them to block a new BDS policy.

The Students’ Union has launched a vote on the question “Should the SU boycott and divest from Israel?” The proposals include boycotting a large number of companies operating or investing in Israel as well as Israeli agricultural products.

Voting closed on December 22 and the result will be announced in January 2024.

UKLFI has warned the Trustees of UMSU that implementation of this policy would be illegal.

Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UKLFI, explained in his letter: “As Trustees you are responsible for ensuring that the Union complies with the law. …

“Implementation of the policies mentioned above would contravene charity law and would also be likely to contravene rules on public procurement. It is your responsibility to override any decision or vote in favour of these policies.”

UMSU is a charity, with the charitable object of advancing the education of Manchester University students.

It is unlawful for a charity to engage in activities that are not in furtherance of its charitable objects.

Implementing the BDS motion would constitute a political campaign against Israel and in support of Palestinians – something which clearly falls outside of UMSU’s charitable objects.

The letter also points out the link between universities adopting BDS policies and hostility to Jewish students. Mr Turner notes: “Extensive research at US universities has shown that BDS campaigns promote the targeting of Jewish students for harm”.

UKLFI observes that harming Jewish students at the University of Manchester would contradict UMSU’s charitable objects.

UKLFI also said that implementing a BDS policy would likely contravene public procurement laws.

UKLFI said they will refer the matter to the Charity Commission, and reserve the possibility of bringing legal proceedings against the Trustees, if they fail to block the implementation of a BDS policy.