On 3 September 2019, Reading Trades Union Council co-organised an anti-Boris Johnson, pro-democracy protest to 'STOP THE COUP' - a rally of opposition against the Conservative Government's suspension of parliament for five weeks in September and October. Along with Reading & District Labour Party and socialists in the 'Change Through Solidarity' collective, RTUC joined calls for an end to threats of a no-deal exit from the European Union and instead advanced the need for a general election once political steps were secured to prevent no-deal.
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| David McMullen (GMB) delivers RTUC's statement |
RTUC Secretary, David McMullen (GMB), delivered Reading Trades Union Council's statement on the prorogation of parliament by Johnson, opposing Conservative efforts to force a timeout on negotiations with the EU by running the clock down for a default Brexit on 31 October. David spoke in favour of the extension of Article 50, a general election and a negotiation of exit terms on the basis of mutual satisfaction for the UK and the EU.
He also presented episodes in the Conservative governments of 2010 to the present which revealed their untrustworthiness and showed that the Tories are no friends of working people.
Demonstrating the new wind which blows through the Reading labour movement, the RDLP speaker, Cllr Sarah Hacker (Unite), chair of the Reading Labour Party, proudly stood before the RTUC banner, declaring solidarity for the cause not only as a Labour politician but as an active trade unionist. This show of unity across the local labour movement epitomises the concept of 'Change Through Solidarity'.
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| Cllr Sarah Hacker (Labour & Unite) |
The event was greeted with enthusiasm, defiance - but also a tinge of despondency at the perilous state British democracy has found itself in. But with parliament's legislation, demanding Johnson request an extension to Article 50 if he has not struck a Brexit deal by 17 October, there is all to play for. A Jeremy Corbyn government by Christmas, renegotiation of the UK's relationship with the EU and a referendum to stay in on new terms or leave on an agreed deal. This must be the direction to pursue.
