Union leaders call on Keir Starmer to immediately recognise Palestinian state

Leaders of Britain's biggest trade unions have joined together, calling on Britain not to forget Gaza as Israel turns its sights on Iran.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, Unite's Sharon Graham and Unison's Christina McAnea are among the union chiefs putting their name to calls for the UK government to "immediately" recognise a Palestinian state.

The Government's official position is to recognise the state of Palestine "at a time when it best serves the object of peace."

“Recognising Palestine is a vital first step towards a just and lasting peace - with a safe and secure Israel and a free and independent Palestine,” Mr Nowak wrote for the Sunday Mirror.

“A two-state solution that is consistent with international law, and promotes equality, democracy, and respect for human and labour rights.”

He added: “The TUC, alongside trade unions in Canada and France, is calling on our governments to act after their recent welcome intervention which demanded a ceasefire and access to aid.”

GMB General Secretary Gary Smith, National Education Union chief Daniel Kebede, PCS leader Fran Heathcote, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Steve Wright and former NASUWT boss Dr Patrick Roach all appear in a video calling for immediate recognition.

We must not lose sight of Gaza

By PAUL NOWAK, TUC General Secretary

While the world focuses on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, we must not ignore what’s happening in Gaza.

With Israel's ongoing blockade of aid and the unrelenting military assault, the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day. People are starving, traumatised, and living under constant fear.

We cannot afford to look away.

Right now, we urgently need a permanent ceasefire. The bombs must stop and aid must be allowed in.

But we also need something else: for the UK government to officially recognise the state of Palestine, and do it immediately.

This is about taking a stand for peace. Recognising Palestine is a vital first step towards a just and lasting peace - with a safe and secure Israel and a free and independent Palestine. A two-state solution that is consistent with international law, and promotes equality, democracy, and respect for human and labour rights.

The TUC, alongside trade unions in Canada and France, is calling on our governments to act after their recent welcome intervention which demanded a ceasefire and access to aid.

Ministers must use every tool available - pressure, diplomacy, recognition - to help bring about justice, peace and security for all.

I recently returned from the West Bank. The last time I visited was 2016. And things have got worse - much worse.

Illegal Israeli settlements have spread fast. This isn’t just a few homes here and there. It’s a massive land grab backed by Netanyahu and his coalition government. Every new settlement makes peace harder to reach.

Then there’s the daily indignity and violence of the occupation. The endless military checkpoints, homes demolished, families displaced and the most exploitative working conditions imaginable.

Even the few with steady jobs are struggling. Public sector workers told me they’re only receiving 75% of their salaries and sometimes not even that.

And there’s the fear.

Armed settlers roam the West Bank, intimidating and attacking Palestinians without consequence. In the village of Mujurat people told me they haven’t had a full night’s sleep in years. One trade unionist confided "everyone in Palestine suffers some form of mental trauma.”

But even in the midst of all this I saw real hope.

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Palestinian trade unionists and activists are organising despite the risks. Israeli human rights groups like B'tselem are speaking out and standing up.

Some ask why the TUC gets involved in global issues. The answer is simple: solidarity doesn't stop at the border. We've always stood with working people here and around the world.

Now is the time for action. Immediately recognise Palestine. Demand a ceasefire. End the occupation.

That's how to build a future based on justice and peace - not fear.