Kingston Council voted unanimously to begin a review of its pension fund investments in companies , particularly in relation to the ongoing situation in Palestine.

The decision was made on Thursday (8 July) after impassioned speeches from residents and councillors and marks a significant moment in the debate about ethical investment and the role local authorities play in addressing global issues.

The motion calls for the formation of a cross-party task force to take on a full review of Kingston's investments and stands out due to its support across the political spectrum.

Members from all political parties, including Liberal Democrats, Independents, and Conservatives, combined to approve the divestment proposal.

The motion asks for a transparent review of all pension fund investments.

It also asks for the creation of a task force to report its findings to the Pension Fund Panel by September 2025.

Lead petitioner Sonu Sayeed is a Surbiton resident and argued that Kingston's pension fund goes against the council's commitment to human rights.

"The petition asks this council to take four concrete actions: to transparently review its investments, to divest from complicit companies, to strengthen its investment policy, and to report publicly on its progress," Sayeed told the council at Tuesday's full meeting.

Independent Leader Cllr James Giles expressed his satisfaction with the cross-party cooperation.

He said: "It's not often in this chamber that we find the Administration and Opposition agreeing. But I hope this moment can set a precedent, that when a major policy generates this level of concern, and when constructive proposals are offered, we don't just defend the status quo out of habit."

The Mayor of Kingston-upon-Thames, Cllr Noel Hadjimichael, expressed his appreciation for the convivial spirit of the debate

"The councillors here tonight have shown maturity, diligence, and also incredible courtesy to each other in a difficult situation," he said.

The council's decision is part of a wider movement across the UK, with 12 councils around the UK and in London already having voted to divest from similar companies.

The motion is seen as a local victory, but campaigners like Betsy from the Kingston & Richmond Palestine Solidarity Campaign say that they are now focusing on working with the council to ensure swift, transparent action.

"It is the starting line, not the finish line. We are now focused on working with the council," Sayeed said.

Besty, a local campaigner, said: "So you can go back in the history and look back at the 1980s where councils all around London were doing exactly this. They were committing to divest from South African in opposition to their apartheid. That was part of what lead to the end of apartheid."