Motion passed by UNISON December 01

Title: Terrorist Attacks on 11 September

Motion submitted by: Inverclyde Branch

This branch expresses its sympathy to the families and friends of those who died in the tragic events of September 11 in the United States. We extend our condolences to the families of fire fighters and ambulance workers who also died whilst trying to rescue others. We oppose these acts of terror and believe they do nothing to end the poverty and misery of the poor and the oppressed.

We also believe that the "war on terrorism" that George W Bush and Tony Blair have declared will make the situation in the Middle East much worse. We have already witnessed the killing of innocent civilians in Afghanistan and believe an extension of this war will only lead to more misery and carnage. It will also lead to an increase in the number of people who believe their only chance of achieving justice is through acts of terror.

It is appalling to see the richest and most powerful nations of the world using that wealth and power to further decimate one of the poorest nations, rather than helping to alleviate their suffering. And it is also disgraceful to be told by this government that there is no money for public services whilst endless amounts can be found for death and destruction.

A real and lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through justice for the people of the region. This means that the rich nations have to address the question of poverty and debt. It also requires the establishment of a Palestinian homeland and an end to the terror of the Israeli State. We must also see an end to the sanctions against Iraq, which have so far led to the deaths of 500,000 Iraqi children.

We also oppose the attacks on civil liberties and human rights to which this war on terrorism is already leading, and are deeply concerned about statements which call for a "crusade in defence of civilisation". These statements fuel the racist agenda and have led to a rise in anti-Muslim sentiments and racist attacks.

We welcome the establishment of a broad-based antiwar movement under the umbrella of the Scottish Coalition for Justice Not War and support their demand for an immediate end to this war.

This meeting resolves:
1. To affiliate to the Scottish Coalition for Justice Not War.
2. To support the activities of the Scottish Coalition for Justice Not War and publicise them amongst the membership. 3. To call on our national leadership to put pressure on the government for an immediate end to the war.