Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2025. It was answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds (Labour) on Friday, 7 November 2025 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Local Government: Israel

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 16 May 2025 to Question 50850 on Local Government: Israel and with reference to the Cabinet Office document entitled Code of conduct for board members of public bodies, published in November 2019, what guidance his Department has issued on whether people who hold regulated public appointments may (a) campaign and (b) support (i) boycott, (ii) divestment and (iii) sanction campaigns outside of where formal legal (A) sanctions, (B) embargoes and (C) restrictions have been put in place by the Government.

Answer: Advice on political activity is contained within the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code of Conduct requires public appointees - in their public role - to generally be, and be seen to be, politically impartial and to abstain from all controversial political activity. It also advises that appointees, on matters directly related to the work of the body, should not make political statements or engage in any other political activity. However, subject to these guidelines, the Code does not preclude engagement in general political activity by appointees. They must first have informed the body and/or sponsor department and should remain conscious of their responsibilities and exercise proper discretion at all times.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 86221
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Local Government: Israel
Friday, 16 May 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Local government Procurement Israel
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk