Rapturous applause followed the stirring words of Cuban trade union leader OSNAY MIGUEL COLINA at the TUC Congress today
DELEGATES to the TUC Congress gave a standing ovation to Cuban trade union federation leader Osnay Miguel Colina today and demanded an end to US aggression against the island.
Mr Miguel Colina told Congress the Cuban people would never surrender to US bullying.
“And resistance does not mean simply enduring. We will work, create, develop alternatives,” he said.
The Cuban trade unionist detailed the horrific impact of the US blockade, which has intensified this year with a siege cutting off all oil supplies, leading to blackouts, disrupting transport and shuttering many workplaces.
But he also described Cuba’s response, including an accelerated push to install solar power capacity to make up for the loss of oil. “They cannot blockade the sun,” he said, to deafening applause.
Congress overwhelmingly backed a Prison Officers’ Association motion demanding the TUC push the government to oppose the extraterritorial application of US sanctions on Cuba in this country, deliver humanitarian assistance to Cuba and for affiliated unions to support the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
Moving, Phil Hannant of the POA said the US was waging “economic warfare to make everyday life unbearable, to create hunger, desperation and suffering in the hope that this will produce political change.”
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
The change in policy is a direct result of sustained pressure from activists and organisers across the Palestine movement. But what comes next?
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We can certainly retain our anger at the government’s complicity. No sanction can offset the foreign policy decisions made by the former prime minister Keir Starmer and former foreign secretary David Lammy, the repression of domestic pro-Palestine advocacy, or the sheer loss of life. But we must balance this with cautious optimism that the political tide is turning.
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The necessary next step is a full arms embargo and an end to cooperation with Israeli security forces – to truly have teeth, these sanctions must not take with one hand and then give with another. Miliband has said that “we’ve already suspended over 30 arms licences used by the IDF in Gaza. That suspension remains fully in place”, and that the government will “now also refuse all licence applications for arms and other exports that materially contribute to the occupation”. But components of F-35 jets continue to be exported to Israel and used for operations in Gaza, as are surveillance technologies such as drones and radar made in the UK by Elbit Systems. This is a total dereliction of duty by the British government.
Miliband’s announcements were a necessary reminder that a just political future is possible and, within it, a reckoning with past crimes. As a campaigner, I have borne witness to Israel’s most egregious human rights violations: I have documented Israeli settlers committing pogroms against the community of Al-Mufaqara, sat in Palestinian villages threatened with home demolitions and army raids, and witnessed the ongoing daily misery of Israel’s apartheid policies. This has all strengthened my motivation to see the end of the Israeli occupation.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpAKeir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel. New Labour UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham continues Labour party policy of active support and complicity in Israel’s genocide.Genocide denying UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government’s support for Israel’s Gaza genocide and the UK government and military’s active participation in genocide.
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Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich displays a map of an area near the settlement of Maale Adumim, a land corridor known as E1, outside Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank, on August 14, 2025. [Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images]
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Wednesday announced plans for 1,000 new settlement housing units in the northern occupied West Bank, a day after 12 Western countries said they intended to impose trade restrictions on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, Anadolu reports.
Smotrich said on US social media company X that 1,665 dunams (411.5 acres) had been added to the Kida and Havat settlements, allowing for the construction of 1,000 new housing units.
The leader of the Religious Zionism party described the move as “another historic step in the settlement revolution.”
Israel has occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 1967. The international community considers Israeli settlements built on occupied Palestinian territory illegal under international law, a position rejected by Tel Aviv.
“After more than 25 years, the Kida and Havat settlements have finally reached the moment when the government is advancing procedures to legalize their status,” Smotrich said.
Kida and Havat were established in 2003 and 2001, respectively. The Israeli government decided to convert them into recognized settlements in December and March, respectively.
The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted that since taking office in late 2022, it has approved the establishment of 104 new settlements and established 160 agricultural settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank.
Around 750,000 Israeli occupiers live in 156 settlements and 360 outposts across the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, according to Palestinian figures.
On Tuesday, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden announced plans to impose trade restrictions on goods originating from the Israeli settlements.
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Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of policy of global privateering.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a speech in Washington, DC on September 29, 2025. [Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper in Israel on Wednesday described the announcement by 12 Western countries, led by Britain, to restrict trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as a “diplomatic setback and a significant failure” for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden announced Tuesday their intention to impose restrictions on trade in goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements.
In a statement, the 12 countries said the Israeli government’s actions in the occupied West Bank undermine the possibility of a two-state solution and urged Israel to immediately halt illegal settlement expansion and violence by occupiers.
Yedioth Ahronoth said that “with the European Union unable for months to reach consensus on sanctions that would ban imports from Israeli settlements, several European countries have begun pursuing restrictions independently, moving the issue from EU-wide diplomacy to national legislatures.”
The absence of an agreement in Brussels led governments supporting the restrictions to conclude that each country would need to enact its own legislation to ban imports from illegal settlements, it said.
The newspaper noted that “the Netherlands has already adopted such measures, although the Dutch order has been challenged in court on claims that it is discriminatory. It is scheduled to take effect Sept. 22.”
“Spain already has legislation in effect, although Israeli exports to the country from the West Bank are limited. Similar legislation is now being discussed in Luxembourg, while Sweden is pursuing its own process,” it added.
Belgium has announced plans for similar action but has not yet enacted legislation, “meaning no restrictions are currently in force there,” said the newspaper.
Yedioth Ahronoth said the growing number of countries supporting restrictions has “caused significant concern in Israel,” not because of the relatively limited volume of trade from illegal settlements, but because officials fear the measures could discourage European importers from altogether purchasing Israeli products.
“Under the new Dutch rules, importers of products originating in settlements could face up to six years in prison,” it added.
Israeli officials and business representatives fear some Dutch companies may choose to avoid Israeli goods entirely rather than verify whether individual products were manufactured inside Israel or in illegal settlements.
They warn that it “could effectively create a quiet, broader boycott.”
“The concern is that importers unwilling to assume the legal risk or administrative burden of establishing where Israeli goods were produced will simply stop purchasing them,” said the newspaper, adding that Israeli officials believe the secondary effects could have serious consequences for the economy as a whole.
The newspaper noted that Europe has long opposed Israeli settlement expansion, “but growing attention to attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinians has given fresh momentum to governments seeking punitive measures.”
Images of Israeli occupiers entering Palestinian villages and reports of violence “have intensified European pressure,” while inflammatory statements by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich “have further fueled criticism,” it said.
“From Israel’s perspective, the failure to effectively address reported incidents of settler violence has created a political boomerang: Extremists in the West Bank are strengthening the case of European governments and activists already opposed to settlements,” it said.
The occupied West Bank has witnessed escalating attacks by occupiers against Palestinians and their property, including incursions into towns and villages, and assaults on residents, vehicles and homes, under the protection of Israeli forces.
Yedioth Ahronoth warned that the potential economic consequences could eventually affect not only occupiers and companies operating in the West Bank, but the Israeli economy as a whole if importers begin viewing all Israeli products as potentially subject to restrictions.
The newspaper said domestic political considerations played a role in Britain’s decision, according to Israeli assessments, as the Labour government faces pressure from elements of its political base; “however, the more consequential development was Britain’s ability to assemble a coalition of 12 countries behind the initiative.”
The timing added another dimension to the controversy because the measures came during Israel’s election campaign.” Some Israeli political figures argue that international pressure on settlements could strengthen Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies electorally, and British officials had been warned about that possibility,” said the newspaper.
Nevertheless, the newspaper concluded that the decision by Britain and the 11 other Western countries was viewed “not only as a diplomatic setback but as a significant failure by Israel to prevent a coordinated international initiative.”
Palestinians warn that Israel is paving the way for formal annexation of the West Bank through army raids and attacks by occupiers, undermining the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state as stipulated in relevant UN resolutions.
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Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of policy of global privateering.
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US President Donald Trump (L) and Mark Levin (R). [Screengrab/facebook@middleeastmonitor]
Prominent American Zionist commentator and ally of President Donald Trump, Mark Levin has called on nearly 40 US states to retaliate against Britain using controversial anti-BDS laws, raising fresh questions over the willingness of Israel’s most vocal supporters to impose economic and constitutional costs on Americans in defence of a foreign state.
Levin issued the threat after Britain announced a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. “SO NOW OUR STATES CAN BOYCOTT THE UK” said Levin on X arguing that states with laws penalising boycotts of Israel should deploy them against British companies complying with the new measures.
SO NOW OUR STATES CAN BOYCOTT THE UK
Close to 40 states across the U.S. have laws that require ending contracts with and/or divesting from companies that engage in antisemitic boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel. These states whose combined GDP is…
Republican Congressman Randy Fine has gone further, explicitly threatening to use Florida law against British companies.
Fine, who helped enact Florida’s anti-BDS legislation while serving in the state legislature, warned that any British company forced to comply with the UK measures could be excluded from doing business with state and local government in Florida.
“As the British government considers forcing British companies to boycott portions of Israel,” Fine wrote, the law he sponsored “would ban any British company forced to comply from doing business with any state or local government in Florida”.
As the British government considers forcing British companies to boycott portions of Israel, it should be aware that a Florida law that I passed as a member of the Legislature would ban any British company forced to comply from doing business with any state or local government in…
Fine claimed the consequences could extend further, saying British businesses participating in the boycott could also be prevented from operating in Florida where they required official interaction with state or local authorities, including permits or tax arrangements.
“Any company — or nation — that boycotts Israel is boycotted by Florida,” Fine declared.
Fine’s comments drew criticism from journalist Glenn Greenwald, who questioned why Florida should risk its own economic interests over a dispute involving Israel.
“Why would Florida sacrifice its business interests and those of its citizens to benefit Israel? We all know why,” Greenwald wrote on X. In another post, he accused Fine of being prepared to impose costs on Floridians in order to “protect Israel and punish the UK”.
This "US Congressman" vows vengeance against British companies for boycotting products from Israeli occupying the West Bank, announcing: "Any company — or nation — that boycotts Israel is boycotted by Florida."
Why would Florida sacrifice its business interests and those of its… https://t.co/oCLv3oB4uT
The UK is one of Florida’s largest foreign investors. According to figures published by the state, British companies support more than 70,000 jobs in Florida, while hundreds of UK-owned businesses operate across the state. Bilateral trade was valued at $5.8 billion in 2022.
The dispute also highlighted the unusually broad scope of Florida’s anti-BDS law. The legislation defines a boycott of Israel as action restricting commercial relations not only with Israel but also with businesses operating in “Israeli-controlled territories”, a definition that includes illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Britain’s measures, however, are directed specifically at trade with Israeli settlements rather than at Israel as a whole. The UK, along with other governments, maintains that the settlements are illegal under international law.
Levin referred to “close to 40 states” with legislation targeting boycotts of Israel. A 2026 study by Indiana University law professor Joseph Tomain identified 38 states with anti-BDS measures, although the laws differ significantly in scope and enforcement.
In a number of states, companies seeking government contracts must certify that they are not participating in a boycott of Israel. Other states have adopted provisions allowing public investment funds to divest from companies deemed to be engaged in such boycotts.
The pro-Israel anti-BDS measures have faced repeated constitutional challenges over whether governments can condition public contracts on an individual or company’s position towards a political boycott of a foreign state.
Civil liberties groups have argued that anti-BDS laws infringe First Amendment protections.
Federal courts have blocked or found constitutional problems with anti-BDS measures in several states, including Kansas, Arizona and Georgia. In the Georgia case involving journalist Abby Martin, a federal judge ruled that requiring her to certify that she was not boycotting Israel as a condition of a university speaking contract violated the First Amendment.
The legal position is not uniform. In 2022, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Arkansas’s anti-BDS law, finding that it regulated commercial conduct rather than protected expression. The Supreme Court later declined to hear an appeal, leaving the ruling in place without establishing a nationwide precedent on all anti-BDS laws.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of policy of global privateering.
