Pro-Palestinian protestors 'die-in Cornwall Council meeting

Campaigners from Palestine Solidarity Cornwall (PSC) staged the die-in outside the entrance to New County Hall in Truro today (February 20) to demand that the council withdraws from pension investments that, they say, support Israel's attacks against Palestinian people in Gaza.

The protestors had hoped to ask questions inside the meeting and called on the council to back calls for a ceasefire in Palestine.

The protestors called for a cease-fire (Image: PCS)

However the meeting was adjourned while the protestors were removed. The protestors claim Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza amounting to a genocide.

Following the massacre of hundreds Israeli citizens during an attack by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas last October, Israel has been engaged in a massive invasion of Palestine which has seen thousands of Palestinians killed.

Pro-Palestinian supporter staged a die-in outside the entrance to New County Hall in Truro (Image: PCS)

The PSC claim that despite Cornwall Council's commitment to Responsible Investment (Environmental, Social and Governance), its research claims its pension funds are managed by a consortium that invests in companies that includes arms companies selling weapons and producing components for military equipment to Israel.

A spokesperson for PSC stated: "Cornwall Council claims to be a responsible investor. But our research shows this couldn't be further from the truth. Public sector employees don't want to be complicit in genocide, and they don't want to see their pension funds invested in arms companies that profit from death and destruction.

"Our questions were brushed over at the last council meeting - so we are escalating our protest by forcing councillors to walk over protesters staging a die in outside. We will not be ignored and will keep putting pressure on this council until they divest from companies supporting Israel's genocide."

In response to the protest Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council said in a statement: "I understand the concern over the situation in the middle east, and I hope that a resolution and a workable ceasefire can be put in place as quickly as possible - but it is not for Cornwall Council to get involved.
 

"This authority leads the way on responsible investment with its pension fund, and do all we can to put in place strong, industry leading investment policies. All of our fund managers are required to invest in line with the United Nations Global Compact.

"We insist that companies comply with all legal requirements and respect all internationally recognised human rights, including the obligations of the Modern Slavery Act in the UK and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business Human Rights."