At We Believe in Israel, we are deeply concerned by the growing trend of politicised sourcing and selective boycotts targeting Israeli goods within UK retail. Increasingly driven by ideologically motivated campaigns that mirror the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, these actions not only undermine ethical commerce but also risk breaching UK competition and equalities law.
The politicisation of retail supply chains—such as recent efforts by major UK retailers to cease stocking Israeli products—poses serious threats to the principles of fair trade, consumer choice, and non-discrimination. These boycotts often apply standards inconsistently, singling out Israel while ignoring other countries with far worse human rights records. This selective approach reflects a double standard that, according to the UK Home Affairs Select Committee, is a recognised indicator of antisemitism.
When companies adopt anti-Zionist positions—denying Israel’s right to exist or treating it as uniquely illegitimate—under the guise of human rights advocacy, they risk alienating Jewish communities for whom Israel is a core part of identity. In some cases, these boycotts may constitute nationality-based discrimination or create a hostile environment for Jewish staff and customers, which could fall afoul of the Equality Act 2010.
UK officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers of BDS-inspired campaigns. Former Communities Secretary Michael Gove noted that such movements can fuel “appalling antisemitic rhetoric and abuse.” Even across the political spectrum, there is growing recognition that anti-Israel activism can quickly cross the line into antisemitism.
We support the UK Government’s efforts to ban public sector boycotts targeting allies such as Israel, and we believe similar scrutiny is warranted in the private sector. Retailers are entitled to make ethical sourcing choices, but these must be grounded in consistent principles, not driven by external political pressure.
In response, We Believe in Israel calls for the following:
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A voluntary industry code that upholds ethical sourcing without political bias.
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Clear legal guidance for retailers on the potential liabilities associated with discriminatory sourcing policies.
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Stronger regulatory oversight from bodies like the Competition and Markets Authority and the Advertising Standards Authority.
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Consumer reporting tools to flag unfair or discriminatory boycotts.
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Public accountability mechanisms, including recognition for retailers that uphold fair trade without prejudice.
Our message is clear: ethical commerce must be fair, principled, and inclusive. Politicised boycotts that isolate the world’s only Jewish state violate this spirit and have no place in our society. We urge UK retailers, regulators, and consumers to stand firm against these discriminatory practices and uphold a marketplace that reflects Britain’s values of equality, respect, and fairness for all.
For more details, see our Parliamentary Brief: “Politicised Sourcing, Fair Trade, Competition, and Anti-Discrimination in UK Retail”
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