Composite R (covering Motions 108, 109, 111)
International Crisis
“That this Congress notes:
- the United States has for years pursued a policy of economic warfare, political destabilisation, and military intimidation and aggression against Venezuela;
- the Trump administration’s escalating actions against Venezuelans have been widely considered as illegal under international law, and the ultimate abduction of their President, Nicolas Muduro, has rightly been condemned by the trade union movement;
- the US launched an act of piracy from Scotland to steal tankers of oil north of our shores;
- US military aircrafts have used Scottish airports and airspace as part of wider US military operations; and
- allowing Scotland’s land, airspace, and infrastructure to be used by US military forces risks implicating Scotland in acts of aggression that violate international law and the sovereignty of other nations.
“However, Congress believes our political leaders have failed to match this immediate recognition of lawlessness. Keir Starmer’s response, which fails to condemn US actions as a breach of international law, demonstrates complicity and is an alarming demonstration that our political leaders will abandon any morals they profess in order to guard self-interest.
“Furthermore, Congress notes Starmer’s announcement committing to 5% GDP on military spending, which may have short term benefits for jobs, and believes trade unions must act to stop British weapons being used to destroy lives and nations across the globe.
“Congress believes that:
- no nation has the right to interfere militarily or economically in the sovereign affairs of another;
- Scotland should pursue a foreign policy based on peace, international solidarity, and respect for national self-determination;
- the use of Scottish airports, civilian infrastructure and resources by US warplanes engaged in aggressive or imperialist actions directly contradicts these principles;
- Scotland must not be complicit—directly or indirectly—in warmongering, imperialism, or the suffering of civilian populations abroad; and
- we must condemn any attempt to normalise or conceal Scotland’s involvement in such actions.
“Congress calls on the General Council to:
- lobby MPs and MSPs to reject efforts to escalate towards more war and the breakdown of international law;
- support an immediate end to the use of Scottish airports, airspace, and facilities by US warplanes involved in acts of aggression against Venezuela or any other sovereign state;
- demand transparency and accountability from the Scottish and UK Governments regarding all foreign military use of Scottish territory;
- support international efforts to end sanctions, military intervention, and interference against Venezuela;
- stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and with all nations resisting imperialist aggression;
- campaign for a future in which Scotland’s land and resources are used for peace, not war;
- to work with all bodies, be it political, trade union, or grassroots, to stop any further use of Scottish territory as a launchpad for US military activity, and exert our rights of sovereignty against this imperialist aggression; even if this includes expelling all US military personnel from Scottish soil; and
- support affiliates to develop an anti-imperialist industrial strategy.”
Mover: Musicians’ Union
Seconder: Glasgow Trades Union Council
Supporter: North Lanarkshire Trades Union Council
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