A number of constituents have written to me about the Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill.

I believe that the United Kingdom must speak with one voice internationally, and public bodies running their own foreign policies risks undermining our foreign diplomacy. I am concerned that local-level boycotts can pit communities against one another and damage community cohesion. In particular, in the case of boycotts against businesses and organisations affiliated with Israel, there has been a horrific rise in antisemitic rhetoric and abuse which I believe must be stamped out. It is also not right for local authorities and public bodies to waste time and resources when they have key responsibilities to prioritise.

I want to be clear that the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill will not restrict individuals' right to freedom of speech. Nor will it apply to private organisations except if they are exercising public functions. The Bill will extend to public institutions only.

Ministers have provided assurance that Clause 4 only prevents public authorities from making statements of intent to boycott or divest. It does not prevent public bodies from disagreeing with this legislation. Nor does it prevent individuals in public positions from commenting on divestment or boycotts.

I agree about the importance of tackling climate change, and I am assured that the UK Government is firmly committed to leading international action to this end. In the House of Lords, Minister of State, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, confirmed that the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill will ban only considerations that are country-specific. Therefore, it will not prevent public local authorities divesting from fossil fuels or other campaigns that are not country-specific. It is also worth noting that the Bill contains numerous exceptions such as on labour market misconduct and environmental misconduct.

Foreign policy is rightly the reserve of national government. I believe it cannot be right for public institutions to have the power to make divisive decisions which set different parts of the community against each other.

As ever, thank you for taking the time to write to me.