To be discussed at GUCU executive, Tues 14 January 2020
Goldsmiths UCU condemns
The extra-judicial assassination of Qassem Soleimani and six others others in a drone strike earlier this month.
This branch notes:
That the US is paving the way for war with Iran, escalating a dangerous situation in the Middle East and increasing the chances of further major military conflict in the region.
That this is part of the policy of regime change advocated by Trump and US secretary of state Mike Pompeo.
That UK foreign policy is continuing to destabilise the region, not least through its sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia which have been used against Houthi civilians in Yemen.
That the so-called “special relationship” has helped to tie Britain to a failed and damaging foreign policy.
This branch believes:
Rather than falling in line with the Trump administration’s dangerous brinkmanship, the UK government should be calling for restraint and de-escalation and explicitly ruling out military options.
That Britain needs a new, independent, foreign policy based on co-operation and diplomacy. Such a policy would end the waste of billions of pounds that would be better spent on welfare, education and the NHS.
That the anti-war movement has played an important role in creating anti-war opinion in this country and strengthening the movement is essential to achieving a change in foreign policy.
This branch resolves:
To demand that the government opposes military action against Iran.
To support activities that promote de-escalation and the creation of an independent foreign policy based on diplomacy and cooperation rather than military aggression.