Standing with Palestine
PCS is affiliated to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and encourages members to get involved in local events and demos this weekend.
On 13 October the PCS national executive committee issued a statement on Israel and Gaza. The statement condemned the massacres of civilians and the taking of hostages in Israel by Hamas forces and also called on the UK government to condemn Israel for its “horrifying” response, a form of collective punishment which is against international law.
PCS has been affiliated for many years to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Our international campaigns – in line with conference policy - include support for and the defence of trade union, labour and more general human rights across the world.
Trade unions have a long and proud history of standing with oppressed people around the world. In 2020 the TUC, which PCS is a member of, published a report on Justice for Palestine: Promoting decent work and respect for Palestinian rights following the passing of a motion opposing the Israeli government’s intention to officially annex parts of the West Bank, in violation of international law. An updated briefing was published in 2022, calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign is running Solidarity Sessions, an online series that will feature discussions with Palestinian activists and movement leaders, to help to understand the issues and how to get involved in the solidarity movement in Britain.
Join a demo this weekend
There will be another national demonstration in London this Saturday 28 October starting from the Victoria Embankment at noon. PCS members should join the trade union bloc which is assembling under Hungerford Bridge at 11am.
In Belfast, there will be a demo in Writer’s Square at noon on Saturday.
In Birmingham a protest will take place on the High Street at 12:30pm on Sunday 29 October.
In Scotland, the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign is holding demos in towns and cities including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.
In Wales. the RCT Palestine Solidarity Campaign is holding a demo in Newport and there are many others planned by solidarity groups throughout the country, including Welsh Women for Gaza.
Many events are listed on the Palestine Events in Britain Facebook page and search on social media for details of an event near you.