The ZF
has recently learnt of attempts by The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) to
place pressure on Southern Water to terminate its contract with Israeli company,
Arad Group using misguided information. Arad Group supply world leading water
meters to more than 50 countries around the world. The PSC have persuaded
Caroline Lucas MP to join their efforts in attempting to boycott the Israeli
company, stating that using Arad water meters is at the expense of
Palestinian Human Rights.
We have
invited our members, particularly those served by Southern Water to write as
appropriate to Southern Water showing their support for Arad Group. Southern
Water is required to and subsequently confirmed that they have awarded its
contract for the supply of water meters to Arad Group on the basis of economical
advantage. The suggestion that Southern Water should use an alternative supplier
due to political considerations would be illegal under UK and EU law.
Paul
Charney, ZF Chairman, stated that “The call to boycott Arad Group discriminates
on the basis of nationality. This is not only illegal in the
UK but certainly immoral to the right
minded. We must not allow distortions of the truth to mislead public opinion and
ultimately place pressure on misguided politicians to support boycotts of
Israel .”
The ZF
will make every effort to inform MPs and the public of the truth regarding water
supplies. Together with UK Lawyers for Israel , we will provide first hand
resources and legal research confirming as such.