Moral Accountability deserves our full attention!

Cllr Riaz Ahmed (Bradford Moor) and the Liberal Democrat group in Bradford were pleased to support a motion that asked the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, and the Council investments not to support companies that are complicit in, or profit from, the violation of Palestinian human. 

Speaking on behalf of the Liberal Democrats in Bradford, he asked all councillors not to think of the motion as a financial decision but one of “moral accountability”. 

Riaz went on to say 

“The time has come for us to make a stand, a stand for justice, a stand for peace, and a stand for the dignity of all human beings. We cannot sit idly by while companies profit from ethnic cleansing, illegal occupation, and the dispossession of an entire people. We must use the tools available to our voices, our votes, and our financial power to push for a more just and peaceful world”.

Unfortunately both Labour and Conservative Councillors voted against the motion. 

Below you can read the full text of Cllr Riaz Ahmed’s speech on behalf of the Bradford Liberal Democrats. 

***Speech***

My lord Mayor and members of council I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Cllr Ward his tireless commitment to justice, equality, and human rights. The call to divest the West Yorkshire Pension Fund from companies that are complicit in, or profit from, the violation of Palestinian human rights is both timely and necessary. This motion is not only about fiscal responsibility but moral accountability, and it deserves our full attention.

As a group, we wholeheartedly support this motion and add our support to it. We stand united in recognizing that pension funds, especially those funded by public money, should not be used to invest in companies that profit from human suffering, injustice, or violations of international law. The West Yorkshire Pension Fund has a responsibility to ensure that its investments align with the values of peace, fairness, and respect for human dignity—values that we, as elected representatives, should hold dear.

This motion calls on us to take meaningful action—to ensure that we are not complicit in this suffering through the financial power of our pension fund. We know that corporate complicity can come in many forms, whether through direct investment in companies that provide weapons or military technology, or through financial ties to those that contribute to the construction of illegal settlements, the demolition of Palestinian homes, or the exploitation of natural resources in occupied territories.

We cannot claim to stand for human rights and dignity in one part of the world, while our investments are contributing to their violation in another. Our moral compass must be consistent. As councillors, we have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that our public finances reflect the values of the people we serve. And we know that the people of Bradford care deeply about justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

I would also like to emphasize that this motion does not an attack on any particular nation, religion, or group of people. Rather, it is a stand against the actions of certain corporations and individuals who profit from the suffering of others. This motion is about holding those complicit in human rights abuses accountable, regardless of where they are or who they are. It is about ensuring that our public investments do not contribute to the ongoing violations of Palestinian human rights or the perpetuation of conflict in the region.

The time has come for us to make a stand—a stand for justice, a stand for peace, and a stand for the dignity of all human beings. We cannot sit idly by while companies profit from ethnic cleansing, illegal occupation, and the dispossession of an entire people. We must use the tools available to us—our voices, our votes, and our financial power—to push for a more just and peaceful world.

By supporting this motion, we will send a clear message that people in Bradford District will not be complicit in the suffering of the Palestinian people. We will not allow our pension fund to be used to support companies that are involved in the violation of international law or that profit from the oppression of others.

In closing, I once again thank Cllr Ward for bringing this motion to the council. It is a powerful reminder that, even from our local council chambers, we can take a stand on issues of global importance. We can make decisions that reflect our shared values of justice, equality, and humanity. And in doing so, we can be part of a global movement for peace, accountability, and human rights.

Let us move forward with courage and conviction, and let this council set an example of ethical governance that prioritizes people over profit, and justice over indifference. Thank you

***Ends***