Camden's Pension Committee is facing increased scrutiny over its investment strategy, particularly concerning holdings in Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRA). The issue was brought to the forefront at a meeting on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, where the committee heard a deputation from Camden Friends of Palestine (CFoP).
CFoP, backed by a petition of over 4,000 residents, students, and workers, voiced concerns that the council has not made sufficient progress on commitments made in March 2025. These commitments included scoping an independent fund review, enhancing transparency on fund holdings, initiating CAHRA-related disclosures, reviewing investment beliefs, and coordinating with investment managers.
According to the Supplementary Agenda 1 22nd-Oct-2025 18.30 Pension Committee, CFoP argued that subscribing to a market intelligence and analytics platform
would not adequately address concerns about investments in conflict zones. They also criticised the council's engagement programme, stating that it is failing without the threat of divestment. CFoP's concerns include engagement with several arms manufacturers; Lockheed Martin, Safran and Leonardo. They also mention engagement with a handful of banks to see if they would try to influence human rights decisions.
CFoP's deputation, detailed in the Camden Friends of Palestine deputation, highlighted the belief that the Pension Committee risks breaking the law if it does not divest from companies that breach international human rights law. They referenced a legal position paper by Max de Plessis KC on behalf of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign concluding that Israel's violation of international law and the UK duties under international law are considerations which must be taken into account.
The committee was scheduled to discuss a report providing an update on the five actions agreed in March 2025, including scoping an independent fund review and initiating CAHRA-related disclosures. The Agenda frontsheet 22nd-Oct-2025 18.30 Pension Committee shows that Councillor Rishi Madlani, Chair of Pension Committee, and other councillors were present to hear the deputation.