Recent weeks have seen increased tensions in two London boroughs as activists launched a divestment campaign, with mixed success. In the affluent borough of Camden, a group of volunteers, outraged by the ongoing violence in Gaza, petitioned the local council to withdraw investments from companies linked to Israel. Led by Camden Friends of Palestine, the petition gained over 4,200 signatures, reflecting a surge in grassroots activism in a politically significant area. Camden falls within Holborn and St Pancras, a Labour stronghold by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite the strong public support, the petition ultimately failed, as the council referred the issue of “responsible investment” to its Pension Committee.

The situation escalated further when the council implemented a ban on banners, placards, and flags during meetings—seen as a direct move to curb pro-Palestine demonstrations. Campaigners argue this measure is undemocratic and silences legitimate criticism. A spokesperson for Camden Friends of Palestine described the restrictions as “authoritarian” and designed to shield the council from accountability. The group remains resolute, asserting their solidarity with Palestinians and vowing to continue their efforts for divestment from companies supplying Israel’s military. Meanwhile, Camden Council maintains that petitions must significantly impact the borough, though investment discussions are not automatically excluded.

Despite opposition, activists have continued their meetings, often held at a local arts and community centre, to strategise and engage new volunteers. However, they report increasing hostility from authorities, citing incidents where police were called on residents, meetings were cancelled, and the public gallery in the council chamber was shut for months. Notably, in May, activists resorted to holding a meeting outside an official building to commemorate Nakba Day after being denied access to the council chambers. In October, a local news outlet reported that police were summoned to remove demonstrators silently holding “Stop Genocide” signs.

Elsewhere, in the borough of Waltham Forest, similar activism has yielded success. In 2023, the Waltham Forest for a Free Palestine (WFFP) group urged their local MP to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and later launched a divestment campaign akin to Camden’s. Unlike Camden, Waltham Forest Council agreed in July 2024 to update its ethical investment policy, committing to divest pension funds from companies involved in the arms trade, making it the first UK municipality to take such a step. WFFP organiser Jade highlighted the broad support their movement received, with thousands signing petitions and engaging in outreach efforts. She emphasised that their campaign demonstrated the power of community activism in challenging bureaucratic resistance and pressing for ethical policies.