“The meeting closed with a shared call for international solidarity – and opposition to war and sanctions.”
By Ben Folley, Labour Outlook
A packed meeting at the Arise – a Festival of Left Ideas Solidarity Hub in Liverpool this week brought together speakers from across the labour movement and international solidarity campaigns to discuss the growing challenges facing Latin America, US foreign policy and the global struggle for workers’ rights and self-determination.
Opening the discussion, Philip Liptrot of Thompsons highlighted the scale of current international pressures, warning: “We’re witnessing military intervention in Venezuela, the intensifying blockade of Cuba and the assault on rights by the far-right in Argentina.” He expressed hope for the re-election of Brazilian President Lula this coming weekend, and the continuation of a progressive agenda, which is also being advanced in Mexico.
Arise organiser Matt Willgress outlined the wider context of the global crisis of the US Empire, which is leading to wars in Latin America and beyond. Illustrating how “US war and imperialism is a threat to humanity,” he outlined the devastating human and financial costs of recent wars, including deaths and displacement in Lebanon, Iran and the Caribbean, as well as the environmental impact of military intervention.
Brazilian Workers’ Party activist Julia Felmanas focused on Brazil’s role in international politics, ahead of the vital election in that country where Lula faces the far-right this weekend.
She said the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Left regionally and internationally, as “The Lula government represents a different path — defending workers’ rights, protecting the climate and challenging the existing US foreign policy agenda through BRICS and the United Nations.” She stressed the importance of defending free and fair elections ahead of the election, where Trump’s interventions have already been widely exposed and condemned.
Colombian MP Gabriel Pequera, from the left-wing Pacto Histórico coalition, described the importance of Latin American solidarity, arguing that “the struggles of Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba are connected to the wider international crisis of capitalism.” He criticised the influence of US strategic interests in the region and expressed concern about attacks on democracy, workers’ rights and Palestinian solidarity since the Trump-backed far-right took power in his country.
Continuing these themes, former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell emphasised the need to connect international issues with domestic politics, saying: “We need to work out how we project this discussion into Labour and impact a Labour government.” He highlighted the importance of cooperation on climate change, defending Cuba and developing a more independent approach to international relations, based on putting peace, people and planet before private profit.
The next speaker was Kim Johnson MP, who focussed her speech on the need to stand with Cuba against Trump’s attempts to starve and isolate the island, arguing that “the rules-based order no longer exists — we saw that with Gaza.” She called for stronger action from the UK government in terms of standing up to Trump, not least including the need to be at the forefront of international calls for both ending the blockade of Cuba and removing Cuba from the US state sponsors of terrorism list.
Echoing Kim’s key points, PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote warned of a return to a politics of dominance and intervention, saying: “We affirm solidarity with freedom from US imperialism.” She argued that right-wing governments in the region have attacked trade union rights, public services, public sector pay and women’s rights – and we must stand with workers in those countries resisting these reactionary attacks.
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign Secretary Francisco Dominguez then highlighted the impact of sanctions on Venezuela, stating: “Sanctions have sought to starve Venezuela.” He called for greater independence in European policy towards Latin America as a key way of isolating the US’ far-right agenda.
Next speaker and Labour NEC member Jess Barnard condemned how “The US treats Latin America as its backyard,” while Richard Burgon MP concluded by saying: “The Latin American left has been a beacon, offering solutions to the world.” He called for continued solidarity, quoting José Martí: “Humanity is our homeland.”
The meeting closed with a shared call for international solidarity, opposition to war and sanctions, and a renewed commitment to defending self-determination, peace and social justice across Latin America and beyond.
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