Over 300 authors sign letter urging Baillie Gifford divest from Israel-linked companies
A letter signed by 360 authors has urged asset manager Baillie Gifford, which sponsors a number of literary festivals to divest from companies linked to Israel.
The letter, released to mark Nakba Day - the event that saw the expulsion of hundreds of thounsands of Palestinians from their homes in 1948 by Zionist militias - also called on the company to divest from fossil fuels.
"Many of the undersigned book workers have already withdrawn from participation in Baillie Gifford-funded festivals in 2024, including Hay Festival and Edinburgh International Book Festival, keeping the commitment we made in our author statement last year," read the letter.
"Others commit to continue to raise our demands. Literary organisations can expect escalation, including the expansion of boycotts, increased author withdrawal of labour, and increased disruption until Baillie Gifford divests."
Among those signing the letter are comedian Frankie Boyle, authors Lola Olufemi and Sally Rooney and writer Naomi Klein."