The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also issued an emergency statement calling on the UK and international community to immediately recognise the state of Palestine. Photo: Shutterstock.
The letter highlights the near-complete blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has led to mass starvation, and the killing of over 1,000 Palestinians while seeking food and medicine.
It further calls on ministers to do everything in their power to bring about an end to the crisis, resolve all humanitarian issues, release the remaining hostages, and restore the path to peace. This includes:
- an immediate and permanent ceasefire
- proper and safe access to humanitarian aid
- wide ranging sanctions on the Israeli government, similar to those imposed on Russia
- suspending the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement and ending all military cooperation with Israel immediately, along with licenses for arms traded with Israel, in line with international law.
Labour Unions is the group of 11 trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party, including the Musicians’ Union.
TUC emergency statement on Palestine
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also issued an emergency statement calling on the UK and international community to immediately recognise the state of Palestine.
It follows a statement in the spring, supported by the MU, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
The TUC, which represents six million people across the UK, is urgently calling for:
- Suspension of the UK-Israel trade deal.
- Banning imported illegal settlement goods.
- An end to all licenses for arms traded with Israel, meeting international law.
- Sanctions on individuals promoting and committing war crimes.
Earlier this month, MU Delegate Conference passed an emergency motion calling on the Executive Committee to oppose and fully condemn genocide against the Palestinian people.
The motion also asked the MU to consider how it can protect and defend free speech and peaceful protest. More information on the motion will be made available in the coming days and months.