Brighton: The Trades Union Congress (TUC), the central organization representing trade unions in the UK, has officially endorsed a motion supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. This decision was made at the TUC's 158th annual congress held in Brighton.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the motion calls for the UK to implement legislation that would ban trade with Israeli settlements located within the occupied Palestinian territory. Additionally, it urges the suspension of the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement until compliance with international law is observed. The motion also advocates for divestment from companies identified as complicit in actions against Palestinians.
Further stipulations of the motion include a cessation of UK military cooperation and arms trade with Israel, alongside comprehensive sanctions until Israel adheres to international legal standards. It emphasizes the need for a longstanding ceasefire and a peace plan grounded in international law and successive United Nations resolutions, advocating for a two-state solution.
The motion was introduced by Artists' Union England and supported by UNISON, with additional backing from Unite and the National Education Union. The TUC confirmed that its 2026 congress took place in Brighton from September 13 to 16.