Scotland says no public funding for defense companies that supply arms to Israel

By Agencies 3 September 2025, 9:37 pm

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Scotland's First Minister John Swinney delivers a speech calling on the Scottish Parliament to recognise the State of Palestine, at the Scottish Government Buildings in Edinburgh, Scotland on September 3, 2025. (ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney says that any defense companies that supply arms to Israel will be ineligible for public funding, including grants and investment support.

Swinney also says he will freeze support for trade with Israel.

Speaking at the Scottish Parliament, in a session that also saw the raising of the Palestinian flag, Swinney calls for the “immediate recognition” of a Palestinian state by the UK government and for tougher action on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“Acknowledging that we are witnessing the signs of genocide brings with it a responsibility to act,” says Swinney, describing the situation in Gaza as a “man-made humanitarian catastrophe.”