This is the speech given by Kate Jones, co-Trade Union Liaison Officer on the national executive of the Green Party of England & Wales, at our rally at Parliament on 4 March. (Above: Kate speaking at the event. Also, from left: Stephen Russell, TUC International Officer; Kieran James Paterson, USC committee member and co-convenor of UNISON Members for Ukraine; Johanna Baxter MP; John McDonnell MP.)

You can contact the Green Ukraine Solidarity network at green.ukraine.solidarity@gmail.com

“I am proud to be here representing a party that has consistently stood in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

“On the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion, Ellie Chowns MP issued a statement on behalf of the party, calling the UK government to redouble its humanitarian, diplomatic, and security support for the people of Ukraine, and to continue making every effort in pressing for a just and lasting ceasefire. Anyone interested can access the full statement on the Green Party website.

“But some members, involved in the Green Ukraine Solidarity network, linked with the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, want to see our stance properly debated, reaffirmed, solidified and invigorated – and so have proposed a Ukraine solidarity motion to the party’s Spring conference. I personally am one of the co-proposers of that motion, and am looking forward to hearing it moved at conference later this month.

“I haven’t got long to speak to you today, so I just want to add a couple of things.

“Throughout Green Party history we have always, always stood for peace and the defence of human rights.

“Both are at the heart of why we’re here today – to stand for Ukraine’s people, its workers, and all those who face oppression, and to stand for a peace which is real, just and sustainable.

“To echo one of today’s messages, there is no peace with occupation, and peace sometimes means fighting for democracy and human rights.

“At the same time, solidarity does not, cannot discriminate. Too often, I find, our policy and political discussions in the UK, from our position of safety, turn to geopolitics and away from the victims of war and oppression.

“That is not solidarity. The fight to protect human rights must be universal and consistent. We must stand with those facing oppression, and support and protect people experiencing violence, displacement and occupation.

“Geopolitics is important, but it comes firmly after the fundamental principle of solidarity – of strong support for democracy and human rights, for everyone, regardless of who or what threatens them.

“This is not about some wider struggle on the global stage but about human and workers’ rights, climate and social justice.

“It’s about fighting for self-determination and democracy, in an increasingly unstable world, where rising right-wing authoritarianism threatens all of us – even those of us who don’t know it yet.

“I am honoured to be here, representing the Green Party and our Trade Union Group, and say that we stand with Ukraine – with Ukraine’s people and its workers – and join everyone in this room in calling for an immediate end to an illegal and murderous war, for aid for the people and workers of Ukraine, and for the protection of democracy and human rights everywhere they are under attack.

“Thanks again for having me to speak. We look forward to working together.”

Leave a comment