ANGUS Robertson has refused to say whether the Scottish Government would back boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against the state of Israel in a tense exchange with Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie.
Harvie repeatedly pressed the External Affairs Secretary on whether the Scottish Government would "in principle" back the idea, highlighting that BDS was an important movement in bringing down the white supremacist regime in South Africa.
Robertson said while he was "open" to looking at other ways Scotland can apply pressure to Israel with the powers it has, he stressed the Government has to "operate within the law".
"I am content to have a look at any ways in which we can, subject to the constraints that there are in law, to doing everything that we can, both in terms of our decision making, but also in terms of using our voices," he told the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs committee.
"I'm advised we cannot lawfully impose a blanket ban on support for companies based solely on the fact that companies are listed on the UN database of companies involved in the occupied territories."
Robertson said he is “looking at” Ireland’s plan to ban the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but added that trade is a matter reserved to the UK Government.
Harvie said he understood there may be legal constraints in relation to BDS, but he continued to push Robertson for an answer on whether he support the concept in principle.
The Green MSP pointed out the Scottish Government has used its voice to oppose certain policies it does not have power over previously.
"I have said I appreciate the Government must operate within the law but I’m asking about how it uses its voice politically," Harvie said.
"The Scottish Government is never shy to say it opposes nuclear weapons. It doesn’t have the power to remove nuclear weapons from Scotland.
"It is not shy from opposing cuts to social security by the UK Government. It doesn’t have the power to change those policies.
"So I’m asking the Scottish Government to make a clear principled statement about what it supports, and that will be separate to what it can necessarily do in practice, but what it supports. Does it, in principle support, BDS?"
As Robertson tried to begin his answer, Harvie added: "If the answer is no, just say no."
Robertson said: "The Government is open to looking at all measures that are legally possible in relation to these questions which is why I am open to understanding ways in which we can apply pressure, and if needs be increases pressure on Israel, because I know others are doing and I gave the Irish example on that.
"“I am just saying to Mr Harvie that he needs to understand that in government we have to operate within a legal environment. That is the best I can do on the subject.”
Speaking to The National the meeting, Harvie said he was "dismayed" by Robertson's response.
"It's dismaying that Angus Robertson was unable or unwilling to say what the Scottish Government actually thinks about the case for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel," he said.
"Boycotts, divestment and sanctions played an important role in bringing down the white supremacist regime in apartheid South Africa. They can help to do the same with the brutal, far right regime in Israel and its occupation of Palestine.
“I know there will be legal limits to a devolved Government's ability to act. But that doesn't stop Scottish Ministers from saying what they believe is right or wrong on other matters."
Robertson also told Harvie he had not been given any details by the UK Government on what arms export licences to Israel had been suspended and he was continuing to ask for transparency on this.
He said: "It troubles me there’s still equipment being provided to Israel which will be used as part of the military system which is engaged in Gaza, and the West Bank too."
The Palestinian health ministry said this week that Israel’s military operation in Gaza has killed more than 56,000 people since October 7, 2023.
