On 14 October 2019, Reading Trades Union Council, represented by Nikki Dancey (Vice President), David McMullen (Secretary), Kevin Brandstatter (all GMB), James Parker and Keith Jerrome (both Unite), joined a rapidly organised anti-militarist coalition in Reading Town Hall Square to protest Turkish military action against the majority Kurdish region of north-east Syria. RTUC joined Plan C Reading, Kurdistan Solidarity Network, RiseUp4Rojava, Reading IWW and Reading Communist & Anarchist Society, as well as unaffiliated individuals, to hear speakers, display placards and stage a march. The march of around 50 protesters left the Town Hall through Market Place, down Broad Street and West Street and back to the Town Hall via Friar Street.
On 6 October, US President, Donald Trump, gave the Turkish President, Erdogan, the green light to invade north-east Syria by withdrawing US forces from the area. Run by a Kurdish-led administration on the principles of direct democracy, equality for all peoples, ecological justice, a cooperative economy and women’s liberation, it is the most peaceful and stable part of Syria.
The actions of the Turkish state threaten to destroy this peace and Trump’s reckless policy risks unleashing genocide and a new refugee crisis. Over 11,000 people gave their lives in the struggle to defeat ISIS, including 10 British citizens like Anna Campbell, killed by a Turkish airstrike in March 2018.
Reading did not ignore their sacrifices. #RiseUp4Rojava! All efforts must be made to stop the Turkish invasion and control of north-east Syria! The demonstration showed Reading's solidarity with the struggle!
