Conference notes:
2019 commemorates the 52nd anniversary of the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza
2011 Trades Union Congress called for divestment from companies profiting from the occupation
In 2017 research by War on Want showed that HSBC had invested over £800 million in, and provided syndicated loans worth up to £19 billion for, companies providing weapons and equipment to the Israeli military. These investments include approximately £100 million worth of shares in the company Caterpillar, who supply the Israeli army with specially designed bulldozers
HSBC is the main sponsor of Birmingham Pride, an event that seeks to promote equality for all.
Aswat, a Palestinian LBT+ women’s group, have made a call for Birmingham Pride to drop HSBC as a sponsor until it ends its complicity with Israel’s arms trade
Palestine Solidarity Campaign has launched a campaign, in partnership with UK LGBT+ groups, which will continue until Birmingham Pride adhere to Aswat’s call
Conference therefore calls on the TUC and affiliates to:
- i) Support this campaign, and write to Birmingham Pride calling on them to drop HSBC as a sponsor
- ii) Urge LGBT+ trade unionists to support the campaign and endorse the call from ASWAT.