The MU stands against racism and discrimination of any kind. Photo: Shutterstock.
At the MU's Executive Committee (EC) meeting in April, it was agreed to issue this statement calling again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Middle East and release of all hostages unharmed.
We know our members want to see the violence and conflict brought to an end in Gaza. We have received several motions to our Executive Committee from members on this topic since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October and Israel's escalated military action in Gaza which has led to the death, injury and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian people.
We support the TUC’s most recent statement on the situation in Gaza
The Musicians' Union is an active member of the TUC (Trades Union Congress) with two seats on its General Council. We support their most recent statement on the situation in Gaza, which reads as follows:
"The TUC is appalled by the recent strikes by the Israeli military in Gaza, which have reportedly killed over 400 Palestinians, and threaten the collapse of the ceasefire agreement. These strikes come on the back of 15 months of military action by the IDF that killed and injured tens of thousands of innocent civilians, destroyed homes, hospitals, schools and universities and displaced hundreds of thousands. We echo statements by the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, calling for the ceasefire to be respected.
“In January, the UK government called for the ceasefire deal to be implemented in full. And in response to yesterday’s bombing in Gaza, it called on the Israeli government to abide by its international obligations when it comes to humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza.
“The TUC has long called for respect for international law and accountability.
“The TUC reiterates its condemnation of the 7 October attacks by Hamas, and calls for the release of all hostages. We support genuine efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace that is consistent with international law, and is based on a two-state solution, which promotes equality, democracy and respect for human and labour rights.
“We call on the UK government to do everything it can to secure this peace, including immediate recognition of the state of Palestine, and an end to all licences for arms traded with Israel, meeting international law."
The MU stands against racism and discrimination of any kind
The Musicians' Union also belongs to the TULO Labour Unions group and will continue to put pressure on the Labour Government to urgently recognise the State of Palestine, as promised in the Labour Manifesto, as part of that group.
At the MU, we are aware of members being directly and indirectly impacted by events in the Middle East. We condemn the rise in hate that we know is happening in this country and the discrimination, harassment and cancelled work that members are facing as a result.
The MU stands against racism and discrimination of any kind, and any members who have suffered harassment or discrimination or lost work should contact their regional office for advice and support.
Members wishing to boycott events for political or other reasons are reminded of the Union's advice on this topic.