Matt Willgress looks at the way ahead after Labour Conference expressed opposition to all arms sales to Israel.

Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, injured more than 160,000 and displaced over 90% of the population.

This was the context to both the recent TUC Congress and this week’s Labour Conference speaking up for Palestine, passing motions that revealed the total complicity of the Starmer-led Government in Israel’s war.

In particular, these motions have further upped the pressure on the Government with regards to arms sales to Israel – and, crucially, boost the solidarity movements ‘ collective calls to further build the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.

The motions that both Conferences passed are also clear that this is a genocide. Under international law this means states have an obligation that must be met with a principled foreign policy. The Genocide Convention requires all steps be taken to punish those responsible – and in the current context, that has to mean more sanctions.

Furthermore, the TUC motion importantly recognised Palestinians are subjected to a system of apartheid. As was the case with South African apartheid, this requires a concerted effort from the movement to dismantle it at all levels.

In terms of what Labour Hub readers can do, local Labour Parties, Labour councils and other bodies should immediately engage in BDS campaigns and actions, which are really picking up across the country.

Recent uplifting examples of successful BDS initiatives include:

• 20 local councils have supported divestment.
• The Co-Op has become the first British supermarket to remove Israeli goods from its shelves after implementing a motion passed by 72% of its members to cease.
• Over 5,000 people have closed their Barclays accounts.
• Over 5,000 artists and filmmakers have pledged not to work with Israeli film institutions that are complicit in Israel’s apartheid and genocide.

These efforts must be part of ramping-up our solidarity. This means that those who support Palestinian rights within the Labour Party should echo the concluding calls of the TUC on the British Government in their entirety, namely to:

a. take meaningful action to secure an immediate, complete and permanent ceasefire with full access for food and aid delivery into Gaza, an end to the siege and the release of hostages

b. implement international court rulings and immediately recognise the State of Palestine contributing to a two-state solution

c. immediately end all arms trade and military collaboration with Israel in line with international law

d. implement a total ban on all trade which aids or assists Israel’s violations of international law including with Israel’s illegal settlements

e. repeal the authoritarian proscription of Palestine Action under counter-terrorism laws and uphold and strengthen the right to peaceful protest following the arrest of activists, including Palestine Solidarity Campaign Director Ben Jamal, on peaceful PSC marches.

We will not rest until Palestine is free.

Matt Willgress is an activist with Labour & Palestine.

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Demonstrate on October 11th:

Tonight -protest to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Last night the Global Sumud Flotilla, over 40 boats carrying international aid to Palestinians in Gaza, was illegally intercepted by Israeli forces. 443 volunteers from 47 countries were unlawfully seized in international waters. Participants were hit with water cannon and doused in sewage. Protests against this illegal act have been mounted around the world. The largest trade union in Italy is calling a general strike. Here, it is crucial that the Government act to protect British nationals, ensure their safety from harm and illegal detention, and order all detainees’ immediate release from captivity. These are ongoing violations of international law and the UK government must stand up to them – email your MP today!