Trade Unions demand Unity Trust unfreeze Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s bank account
Trade unions, anti-racism organisations and food banks are today lobbying Unity Trust Bank following its decision to freeze the funds of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC).
More than 70 of the bank’s business customers decry Unity’s actions in an open letter. The diverse group – including branches of ASLEF, UNISON and NEU – demands that Unity unfreeze SPSC’s account and investigate the circumstances that led to the decision to freeze the funds.
Since the proscription of Palestine Action, concerns have been raised about the ruling being misapplied and used to crackdown on critics of the Israeli government. Freedom of Information requests have uncovered the potential of Israeli interference in the British judicial system. Recent allegations faced by member of the House of Lords and former head of the British Army Lord Dannatt have once again highlighted the powerful role of pro-Israel lobbying. Unity’s aggrieved customers are asking for clarification as to whether any third parties were involved in the decision to freeze SPSC’s account, and for assurance that the self-styled “ethical bank” operates independently of political influence in its decision-making.
Hussein Ezzedine, Trade Union Officer at Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: ‛‛Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) expresses gratitude to the many organisations demanding Unity Trust unfreeze our funds. The growing list of unions and progressive groups reflects a growing recognition of the crackdown on dissent in the UK. From the criminalisation of ideas to narrative delegitimisation, increased scrutiny and repression, defenders of the genocidal state will stop at nothing to preserve support for Israel’s unlawful actions in Palestine. The denial of banking facilities is part of this strategy—but we must not bow to intimidation. We call on more organisations to add their names in solidarity, and for Unity Trust to release our funds with immediate effect.”
For more information and interviews, contact Sofiah MacLeod
sofiahm@scottishpalestinesolidaritycampaign.org
Have you signed yet? The letter remains open for more organisations to add their names
SIGN NOW: Demand Unity Unfreeze Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s Bank Account
