PCS signs joint statement responding to Lord Walney’s attacks on the Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Lord Walney has called for trade unions to cut ties with the PSC.
In an interview with The Times, Lord Walney, the government’s adviser on political violence and disruption, has called for trade unions to “cut ties with” the Palestine Solidarity Campaign saying they should find "alternative ways to show their support for Palestinians".
He has said that groups like PSC, Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion should not be able to meet politicians.
In response to his comments, PCS has signed a joint statement with ASLEF, BFAWU, CWU, FBU, NEU, RMT, TSSA and the UCU.
The statement says: “We are proud affiliates of PSC, sharing its aim of promoting the rights of the Palestinian people and working to end the oppression they face. Over many years our conferences have all passed policy resolutions to this effect.”
The statement points out that the “PSC is the largest organisation in Europe campaigning in support of Palestinian rights with… hundreds of thousands of members and supporters from a broad cross section of British society, including thousands of our [union] members.”
The statement describes the PSC’s lobbying and campaigning work as “crucial in keeping human rights issues, including those relevant to the Palestinian people, at the forefront of democratic decision-making. The promotion of human rights and democratic participation are core principles of our trade unions, and we are proud of the work that PSC does to advance these values.”
The statement calls on the government and other political parties to reject anti-democratic proposals to produce a blacklist and refuse to meet or engage with civil society organisations or sections of the electorate.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “PCS is a member-led organisation and it’s up to our members how they spend their money, not unelected politicians. Our conference voted to support the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and we shall continue to do so. We’re disappointed certain politicians and media outlets appear more outraged about people protesting against the slaughter of civilians in Gaza than they are about the actual slaughter of civilians.”