Latest news with #Boycott
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Glasgow Film Theatre board members quit after Israel boycott decision
On Thursday, The National told how Glasgow Film – the company which runs the GFT – said it would not fully endorse either the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement or the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). Glasgow Film said this was in order to retain "independent decision making" and uphold its "commitment to Cinema For All". READ MORE: 'Do something!': Question Time audience member in fiery row with Labour MP on Israel Now, three members of the GFT board have resigned, raising concerns about the processes leading to the decision. Dr Sarah Wishart, one of the members who quit, claimed the board had not signed off on any letters or statements regarding the decision before they had been sent to staff and the media. On Thursday, Wishart shared a statement on social media, which the three members read out during a board meeting on Tuesday. It reads: "Unfortunately, due to the decision making and processes leading up to this evening, we have no choice but to resign from the board of Glasgow Film Theatre, effective immediately. "This is a decision which we undertook with great thought, care and consideration. "We recognised our responsibility as board members, and wished to see issues related to BDS/PACBI through to their conclusion. "However, we cannot, in good conscience, continue to serve on the board of the GFT. "In addition to our concerns related to governance and decision-making processes, we are also deeply concerned about the attitude the GFT has shown towards our unionised workers. READ MORE: Gaza ceasefire talks continue as Israel issues forced displacement orders "We intend to follow this statement with individual written resignations to formally conclude our time on the board." Earlier this year, front-of-house and cleaning staff at the GFT staged a boycott on handling any goods connected to the BDS movement, which resulted in Coca-Cola products no longer being served. Campaign group Art Workers for Palestine Scotland then published an open letter to the GFT calling for the cinema to adhere to the BDS movement and endorse PACBI. The letter was signed by more than 1400 people and included the likes of Ghassan Abu-Sittah, rector of the University of Glasgow and filmmaker Ken Loach. Glasgow Film has been contacted for comment.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Film Theatre praised by pro-Israel lobby group over BDS vote
The charity's trustees declined to back the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), despite calls from employees and patrons to do so. Caroline Turner, director of UK Lawyers for Israel said: 'We are pleased that the Trustees of GFT have decided to reject these endorsements. These campaigns were part of a central Palestinian boycotting organisation whose aim is the destruction of the Jewish State. 'The film theatre had upset many of its regular Jewish film goers by its boycott of Coca Cola products earlier this year, and the anti-Israel statements made by some of its staff.' The BDS movement calls for a boycott of all Israeli goods. The BDS movement was set up by 170 Palestinian civil groups in 2005 as a form of non-violent "pressure" on Israel and has gained worldwide support, often being compared to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. The collective has called on Israel to 'end its colonisation and occupation' of Arab lands, recognise the 'fundamental rights' of Arab-Palestien citizens of Israel, and 'respect and protect' the rights of Palestinian refugees. Adherents of the movement advocate for a full economic and cultural boycott of Israeli goods and companies, and protest against international companies with close ties to the Israeli state. Three members of the GFT's trustee board resigned in protest over the cinema's decision. A joint statement reads: 'We cannot in good conscience continue to serve on the board of the GFT. In addition to our concerns related to governance and decision-making processes, we are also deeply concerned about the attitude the GFT has shown toward our unionised workers.' In February, Unite Hospitality union members, which make up 85% of front-of-house and cleaning staff at the cinema, announced they would refuse to serve Coca-Cola products due to the company's ties to Israel. This led to the removal of the brand from the GFT bar. Coca Cola was among the products to be banned at the GFT (Image: PA).The theatre was hit with a legal threat after UK Lawyers for Israel wrote a letter to charity regulator OSCR alleging the boycott breached the cinema's 'charitable objects'. The complaint was ultimately dismissed. In a statement published on Thursday evening, the charity said: 'As an independent charity, trustees are legally required to act in the best interests of the charity, and in line with its charitable objects which are, for Glasgow Film, principally to educate the public about film. 'To meet this obligation, we believe that all decisions, including those relating to ethical purchasing and programming, should be taken independently, and on a case-by-case basis, informed by robust internal policies and processes.' The cinema's board also said that a full review of their 'ethical policies and practices' would be carried out, including the sale of products in their bar, and that the work of Palestinian artists would continue to be platformed. UKLFI's Turner added: 'It is good news that the GFT is now considering ethical and inclusive programming and purchasing. We hope that their inclusive programming will also include Israeli films.' The GFT board voted against endorsing the BDS movement. (Image: Newsquest) However, angry patrons hit out as news of the decision spread online Thursday night. Ruth Gilbert, national campaigns chair for Living Rent, posted to X: 'This is pathetic and embarrassing. Against the will of your unionised staff, your customers, and members of your board, you can't even commit to the bare minimum of solidarity with the Palestinian people? Many will vote with their feet if you don't reconsider.' Similarly, Emma Diamond remarked: 'So disappointed to read this, as a long term member & supporter I really hoped for better. 'It's not enough to pledge to platform Palestinian voices, what voices will there be left to 'platform' if this genocide continues.' Andy Ashe added: 'Apart from the obvious ethical consequences, I think you have vastly underestimated your customers' commitment to Palestine.' In response to the decision, campaign group Art Workers for Palestine Scotland said: 'We ask audiences, film-workers and partners, to email the Chief Executive of GFT Allison Gardner to make your voice heard and demand a reversal to this decision which undermines GFT's very reason for existence as an independent cinema. "GFT directly benefits in numerous ways from the optics of screening radical anti-colonial films. We refuse to let them disguise their lack of ethics with a progressive veneer. GFT is publicly funded and we, the public, are here to assert that film is political. We will not back down.'
The National
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Glasgow Film Theatre decides to not endorse Israel boycott movement
Glasgow Film announced on Thursday that it wouldn't fully endorse either the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement or the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). The cinema said this was in order to retain 'independent decision making' and uphold its 'commitment to Cinema For All'. READ MORE: John Swinney urged to intervene and scrap Flamingo Land plans at fiery FMQs It comes after a boycott by the GFT's front-of-house and cleaning teams on handling any goods connected to the BDS movement led to Coca-Cola products no longer being served. Art Workers for Palestine Scotland then published an open letter to the GFT calling for the cinema to adhere to the (BDS) movement and endorse PACBI. The letter was signed by more than 1400 and included the likes of Ghassan Abu-Sittah, rector of the University of Glasgow and filmmaker Ken Loach. But Glasgow Film has decided to not formally endorse the movement. 'The Board of Trustees at Glasgow Film recognise the horrific humanitarian crisis in Gaza and are appalled by the ongoing loss of Palestinian lives,' a statement read. 'We understand the depth and diversity of feeling within our staff, audiences, and wider communities, and we acknowledge the calls from artists and activists for cultural and consumer boycotts in solidarity with Palestinians. 'We also recognise the rising levels of antisemitism, Islamophobia and polarisation in our communities and condemn any kind of racism or discrimination.' (Image: PA) The statement added: 'As an independent charity, trustees are legally required to act in the best interests of the charity, and in line with its charitable objects which are, for Glasgow Film, principally to educate the public about film. To meet this obligation, we believe that all decisions, including those relating to ethical purchasing and programming, should be taken independently, and on a case-by-case basis, informed by robust internal policies and processes.' They announced a review and refresh 'in consultation with staff' on their ethical policies and 'assess any connections to human rights abuses' and claimed a review of products in the cinema's bar has already started. The board also said it would continue to platform global filmmakers including Palestinian artists. 'Following a period of careful reflection, legal advice, and consultation with staff and community stakeholders, we consider the above approach to be in line with our legal duties as charity trustees and in the best interests of the charity, as opposed to formal and wholesale endorsement of BDS or PACBI,' the statement went on.
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Film Theatre decides to not endorse Israel boycott movement
Glasgow Film announced on Thursday that it wouldn't fully endorse either the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement or the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). The cinema said this was in order to retain 'independent decision making' and uphold its 'commitment to Cinema For All'. It comes after a boycott by the GFT's front-of-house and cleaning teams on handling any goods connected to the BDS movement led to Coca-Cola products no longer being served. Art Workers for Palestine Scotland then published an open letter to the GFT calling for the cinema to adhere to the (BDS) movement and endorse PACBI. The letter was signed by more than 1400 and included the likes of Ghassan Abu-Sittah, rector of the University of Glasgow and filmmaker Ken Loach. But Glasgow Film has decided to not formally endorse the movement. 'The Board of Trustees at Glasgow Film recognise the horrific humanitarian crisis in Gaza and are appalled by the ongoing loss of Palestinian lives,' a statement read. 'We understand the depth and diversity of feeling within our staff, audiences, and wider communities, and we acknowledge the calls from artists and activists for cultural and consumer boycotts in solidarity with Palestinians. 'We also recognise the rising levels of anti-semitism, Islamophobia and polarisation in our communities and condemn any kind of racism or discrimination.' (Image: PA) The statement added: 'As an independent charity, trustees are legally required to act in the best interests of the charity, and in line with its charitable objects which are, for Glasgow Film, principally to educate the public about film. To meet this obligation, we believe that all decisions, including those relating to ethical purchasing and programming, should be taken independently, and on a case-by-case basis, informed by robust internal policies and processes.' They announced a review and refresh 'in consultation with staff' on their ethical policies and 'assess any connections to human rights abuses' and claimed a review of products in the cinema's bar has already started. The board also said it would continue to platform global filmmakers including Palestinian artists. 'Following a period of careful reflection, legal advice, and consultation with staff and community stakeholders, we consider the above approach to be in line with our legal duties as charity trustees and in the best interests of the charity, as opposed to formal and wholesale endorsement of BDS or PACBI,' the statement went on.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Test series vs India will be a litmus test for English top order: Boycott
Former England great Geoffrey Boycott has raised doubts over the readiness of England's top-order trio—Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett—ahead of the much-anticipated five-Test series against India starting June 20. While all three scored commanding centuries in England's dominant win over Zimbabwe, Boycott remains sceptical about whether these performances reflect genuine progress. In his latest column, the 84-year-old suggested that the real examination of technique and temperament will come against India's formidable bowling unit. He acknowledged the confidence boost these knocks could bring but insisted that the flat Nottingham pitch and the underwhelming quality of Zimbabwe's bowling offered little insight into the players' true form. Zimbabwe Test win offers limited answers England's one-off Test against Zimbabwe ended in a comprehensive innings-and-45-run victory, with the top three making merry on a batting-friendly surface. However, Boycott was blunt in his assessment of the contest, comparing it to a "heavyweight boxer taking on a flyweight." He said Zimbabwe's attack resembled club-level bowling, failing to challenge the technique or mental strength of the English batters. Crawley, who had a rough series in New Zealand averaging below nine, and Pope, who has had a wildly inconsistent 2024 despite a standout 196 in Hyderabad, were not tested, Boycott argued. India series will reveal the truth Looking ahead to the India Tests, Boycott said the top order must prove their mettle against quality opposition. He warned that the upcoming series will truly gauge whether Crawley and Pope have addressed long-standing issues in their game. While lauding their recent hundreds, he noted they came in ideal early-season conditions against sub-par bowling. Concerns remain over England's bowling Boycott also voiced concern over England's bowling unit, particularly in light of their average showing against Zimbabwe. He believes their lack of bite could be a vulnerability in the Ashes later this year, where they'll face an even tougher test in Australian conditions.
