Newport City Council has voted to call on the Greater Gwent Pension Fund to review its investments in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel, following a motion proposed by councillor, Allan Screen, and seconded by councillor, Farzina Hussain.

At a full council meeting on 23 September, members passed a motion recognising residents’ concerns about the humanitarian crisis and its impact on local communities.

The motion also echoed the UK government’s position in calling for an immediate ceasefire, the resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the release of hostages taken during the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023.

While noting that investment decisions rest with the pension fund’s administering authority, Torfaen County Borough Council, the motion asked the Greater Gwent scheme to review whether any of its holdings are connected to companies “complicit in potential war crimes and/or human rights violations” and to work with fellow Wales Pension Partnership funds to consider how such investments could be withdrawn.

Cllr Hussain emphasised the importance of providing reassurance to residents, stating: “Our communities want transparency and accountability. They want to know their money is not indirectly supporting companies linked to violations of human rights.”

Cllr Screen added that Newport had a “proud tradition of strong, meaningful relationships between the many communities that call it home”, stressing that unity remained vital amid the current conflict.

As reported by Nation Cymru, councillors highlighted the strength of local feeling, noting that residents had been in contact with representatives and attended peaceful protests.

One councillor told the publication: “This is about doing what we can, within our powers, to reflect the values of our city.”

However, independent councillor, Miqdad Al-Nuaimi, unsuccessfully called for the council to “strengthen” its demands of the pension fund by including more explicit references to UN claims of human rights abuses.

Newport is one of five councils belonging to the Greater Gwent Pension Fund, which campaigners allege has links to firms connected to Israel’s actions in Palestine.

On Tuesday, a small group of demonstrators gathered outside the city's Civic Centre, waving Palestinian flags and handing out leaflets to councillors.

The Greater Gwent Pension Fund, part of the £20bn Wales Pension Partnership pool, has not yet responded to the council’s request.

The vote comes amid increased scrutiny of LGPS portfolios in light of the conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, with several other funds having recently undertaken similar reviews, or under pressure to do so.

Last week, Monmouthshire County Council voted to review whether it holds investments in companies linked to alleged breaches of international law in Gaza, becoming the latest Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) administering authority to formally examine the human rights implications of its portfolio.

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