Looked at overall, the BDS campaign is miserably unsuccessful. Trade between the UK and Israel is at record levels and growing ever higher. But, on an individual level, there are still those who are willing to single out the Jewish state for boycott.

Whatever sophistry is used by its proponents, the BDS campaign is fundamentally antisemitic. Despite the fact that Israel has by far the best human rights record in the Middle East, let alone compared with nations such as China and Sri Lanka, it is Jews on whom the boycotters focus their attack.

It is sad to have to add Stephen Hawking to the shameful list of boycotters. We had thought better of him.