I am aware of the court ruling concerning the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 and whether the legislation conferred the necessary powers to the Secretary of State for two provisions in the Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) Regulations 2016. Although the Supreme Court upheld the High Court decision, I would note that the decision passed by only a bare majority.

New legislation will be brought forward to address the points raised in the court case. As set out in the 2022 Queen's Speech, the Government will introduce a Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions Bill to ensure public bodies are consistent with investments and stop introducing local boycotts, which undermine community cohesion and sow distrust. I do not believe it is right for local councils to try to influence foreign policy decisions which are properly the purview of the UK Government.