CARDIFF Council agreed today to move towards divestment from companies that are violating international law through their complicity in Israel’s Gaza genocide.

Some 57 councillors voted for a motion proposed by Plaid Cymru, while four opposed it. 

The council resolved to “express in strong terms its view that it does not wish to be associated with companies complicit in the conflict in Gaza and potential war crimes.”

It also said it would “write to the Welsh Pension Partnership to make these views clear and for them to consider divesting from these companies.”

A petition signed by more than 1,200 Cardiff residents calling on the government to divest from Israel’s genocide was handed in at the same meeting.

According to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the pension fund invests £117 million in 52 companies that are in breach of international law by facilitating genocide and illegal land settlement.

The council cited data from the Cardiff and Vale Pension Fund suggesting that it holds just under £3m in Israel-based companies. 

Cllr Andrea Gibson, who proposed the motion, and Rhys Livesy, seconding, said: “Plaid Cymru’s motion to Cardiff City Council today, offers it the opportunity to be the first local authority in Wales to move its pension fund away from investing in companies complicit in war crimes and breaches in international law. 

“This will hopefully speak to all involved in the pension scheme and express a clear view against contributing to harmful practices against Palestinians in Gaza and is a practical step to advancing ethical public policy in the capital.”