Once the bustling heart of Christian pilgrimage, Bethlehem now faces shuttered hotels, empty streets and a shrinking Christian community, while Israel’s assault on Gaza and the tightening grip of occupation destroy hopes of peace at the birthplace of Christ, writes Father GEOFF BOTTOMS
A NEW network has been launched in the Labour Party, with a founding statement making it clear that we need to speak up for Palestine.
Called Labour and Palestine, its purpose is to build solid support for Palestine across the Labour Party and the trade union movement and support Labour’s commitment to immediate recognition of the state of Palestine, and an end to the blockade, occupation and settlements.
The response so far has been very encouraging. The launch statement has attracted the support of a number of Labour’s trade union affiliates including Unite, Unison, Aslef, TSSA and the NUM and over 2,000 Labour Party members. Many prominent MPs have tweeted their support for the initiative.
Trade unionists must raise our voices not only for justice and against occupation, but also to protect our fundamental right to protest, writes LOUISE REGAN, ahead of a not-to-be-missed PSC conference
The people of Palestine need our solidarity in actions not words – trade unionists must give them our full support in their darkest hour, writes DANIEL KEBEDE
MICAELA TRACEY-RAMOS explains how Britain’s largest union is putting pressure on the British government to recognise the Palestinian state and end its complicity with Israel’s murderous actions



