EDINBURGH CITY COUNCIL has taken its first steps in becoming the first local authority in Scotland to boycott Israel.

At its meeting on Thursday, Green councillor Ben Parker tabled a motion not only offering solidarity with the people of Palestine, but calling on the Scottish government to outline how it will ensure councils can adopt boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) positions, from procurement to pensions.

The move comes after SNP First Minister John Swinney’s announcement that the Scottish government would sever its ties with Israel, including ending funding to companies involved in its illegal settlements and supplying it with arms.

Speaking after the motion passed, Mr Parker said: ”To have the capital city take this step will strengthen the solidarity shown to Palestinian people at all levels of government, and will see us able to adopt BDS in Edinburgh soon.

“As we continue to witness the complete failure of the government to take practical action to end the bombardment and starvation of Palestine, I’m pleased that today Edinburgh Council took this positive step towards economic sanctions and following in the footsteps of the Scottish government.”