Edinburgh international book festival ends partnership with Baillie Gifford amid controversy over alleged links
- Edinburgh international book festival ends partnership with Baillie Gifford following pressure from authors and activists.
- Controversy arises over alleged links between Baillie Gifford and Israel's defence and technology industries.
- Calls intensify for Cambridge Literary Festival to also sever ties with Baillie Gifford.
- Authors and activists express concerns over investment firm's connections.
Asset management firm is being pressured by activist authors due to its alleged connections to Israel's defense and technology industries. The Cambridge Literary Festival is facing demands from authors to end its partnership with sponsor Baillie Gifford over a dispute concerning Gaza. The firm has already been removed as a sponsor from the Hay Festival and Edinburgh International Book Festival due to threats of a boycott related to its supposed ties to Israel. Activists are now urging the Cambridge Literary Festival to sever ties with Baillie Gifford as well. The campaign against Baillie Gifford is being led by activist group Fossil Free Books, which claims that the firm invests in companies associated with Israel's defense and technology sectors, which the group accuses of contributing to what they call "Israeli apartheid, occupation, and genocide." The Cambridge Literary Festival is currently considering its stance on the matter, emphasizing the importance of open discussions on various topics like climate change and politics. The festival acknowledges the concerns raised by authors, activists, and campaigners regarding fossil fuel investments and investments in Occupied Palestinian Territories. Following pressure from Fossil Free Books, the Edinburgh International Book Festival decided to end its 20-year partnership with Baillie Gifford. The campaign group has also tried to influence the Society of Authors to call for a ceasefire and an end to the conflict in Gaza. Despite some members supporting the resolution, it was ultimately voted down. Baillie Gifford maintains sponsorships with other literary festivals, such as the Cheltenham Literature Festival and the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction. In response to the situation, Baillie Gifford stated that they believe in transitioning towards a more sustainable world and operate in line with ethical fundraising policies. The firm reiterated its commitment to divesting from the fossil fuel industry and companies linked to Israel, emphasizing the connection between solidarity with Palestine and climate justice. Baillie Gifford refuted claims of being a significant fossil fuel investor and highlighted their investments in clean energy companies.