More than 200 authors renew call for Baillie Gifford to divest from fossil fuel

Fossil Free Books' statement also demands that the book festival sponsor stops investing in companies that profit from Israeli apartheid, occupation and genocide'

More than 200 authors including Naomi Klein, Sally Rooney and George Monbiot have signed a statement by Fossil Free Books (FFB), which puts increased pressure on investment management firm Baillie Gifford, sponsors of the Baillie Gifford prize for nonfiction. In addition to the reiteration of its previous demands that the company ceases its investments in the fossil fuel industry, the group is asking that Baillie Gifford also divests from companies that profit from Israeli apartheid, occupation and genocide", as it believes that solidarity with Palestine and climate justice are inextricably linked".

Literary organisations that accept sponsorship from Baillie Gifford can expect escalation, including the expansion of boycotts, increased author withdrawal of labour, and increased disruption until Baillie Gifford divests," the statement reads.