Avon Pension Fund votes to keep defence investments

Author: LAPF Investments | Published: December 17, 2025

The Avon Pension Fund Committee has voted to continue investing in the aerospace and defence sector following months of deliberation over divestment calls.

At a meeting in Bath on 12 December, committee members voted eight to two to confirm their provisional March decision to remain invested. The vote came after the fund surveyed members, sought additional legal advice, and considered regulatory changes affecting local government pension schemes.

A representative survey conducted by the fund found 47% of members favoured remaining invested, while 42% supported divestment and 11% were unsure. Legal guidance indicated divestment based on non-financial factors required both minimal financial risk and strong member support.

Committee chair Councillor Toby Simon acknowledged the “difficult and sensitive issue” and recognised stakeholder disappointment. The committee agreed to communicate member views to Local Pension Partnership Investments, which Avon joins in April.

The decision followed multiple petitions since December 2024 requesting the fund divest from companies supplying Israel amid concerns about the Gaza conflict.

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