“Our party was built on the basis of solidarity with the downtrodden and standing shoulder to shoulder with those facing oppression – whether that is here in the UK or outside of our borders – and that is exactly what we must do.”
The following is the planned speech from Unite delegate Paula Brennan, on the Palestine composite motion debate that took place today at the Labour Party conference. While Paula was not called to speak, you can read the full text of her planned contribution below:
“Chair, conference
Paula Brennan from Unite the Union speaking in support of the composite on Palestine.
Colleagues, the fact that this motion is on the floor of the Labour Party conference today demonstrates just how important the cause of Palestine has become for Labour Party members and the wider public in the UK.
The never ending occupation, the building of illegal settlements, the ethnic cleansing, and the massive human rights abuses are plain enough for anyone who wants to see it.
Our party was built on the basis of solidarity with the downtrodden and standing shoulder to shoulder with those facing oppression – whether that is here in the UK or outside of our borders – and that is exactly what we must do.
Colleagues this motion draws on the policies unanimously adopted by the TUC Congress this year and last year.
And if anyone has any doubts about what is happening I urge them to read the reports referenced in the motion.
Both the reports – those of the international human rights organisation Human Rights Watch, as well as that of the Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem, arrive at the same conclusion – the crime of apartheid is being committed by the Israeli state.
Colleagues, just as we stood together with Nelson Mandela and the South Africans, so we must again stand on the side of justice and equality and work together to bring about change.
Never has it been more important that we take a stand now in defence of Palestinian rights!
And never has it been more important that we take a clear stand to help bring an end to the vile oppression of the Palestinian people!
Support the motion and support the Palestinian people!”
