PSC is shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Bob Crow, a strong and principled supporter of Palestinian rights. Bob was General Secretary of the RMT Union, which is a key affiliate of the PSC. Bob was a true friend of the Palestinians – from taking time out of his busy schedule to come to Palestine on a PSC delegation, and challenging the Israeli army whenever he came across them, to speaking out at the Trades Union Congress for peace and justice for Palestine. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Bob’s family and friends.
Chair of PSC, Hugh Lanning, said:
“As General Secretary of RMT, Bob Crow played a crucial role in leading the Trade Unions in the UK to take a more progressive stance on Palestine, which has now strengthened to become TUC policy. He was a great international Trade unionist and a nice bloke too – he will be sadly missed.”
PSC executive member, Fiona Bowden, added:
“It was with great personal sadness that I heard the news of Bob Crow’s untimely death this morning. I went with Bob to Palestine on a PSC Trade Union Delegation a number of years ago, and found him to be a very kind generous man. He came to Palestine with an open mind & some difficult questions – especially for young Israeli soldiers at checkpoints! A great supporter of the people of Palestine. Our thoughts are with Nicki and his family.”
Baroness Jenny Tonge said: Bob’s death is “a great loss to his family at such a young age and a great loss to us all. Bob was a blast from the past in many ways but reminded us all of the need for Trade Unions.
He did his members proud.”