Cumberland Council has started withdrawing its investments from companies that supply arms to Israel, following concerns over the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. Council leader Mark Fryer stated that the move was prompted by what he described as 'disproportionate aggression' against the people of Gaza. Fryer has also called for similar changes to be made to the council's pension scheme. The decision has sparked criticism from local Conservative leader Mike Johnson, who argued that the council should prioritize local financial challenges over international matters.