Raza Sadiq (SDS Branch, Scottish Region) opened his speech with a quote from Nelson Mandela: “Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”
He strongly condemned the UK government’s complicity in the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine — which involves illegal settlements, blockades, excessive use of force, and decades of suffering for Palestinian people.
Key points raised:
- The Israeli state’s actions amount to genocide — the UK must be held accountable for its role.
- The UK government continues to arm and support Israel, despite the ongoing atrocities.
- The UK played a historical role in the crisis (1948 land grab), and Palestinians still suffer from land theft, blockades, and violence — including the killing of women and children.
- The Prime Minister continues to repeat that “Israel has a right to defend itself,” while turning a blind eye to genocide.
- The speaker warned that Zionist ideology threatens regional peace — citing possible diversionary actions against Iran as a cover for further occupation of Gaza.
Raza Sadiq called on UNISON to:
- Take stronger action on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS).
- Increase pressure on the UK government to stop supporting Israel’s actions.
- Be prepared to withdraw support from the government if it refuses to act.
- He closed by urging conference to support the motion and take a stand to help stop the genocide.