On 8 July, the “Hands Off Cuba!” Fringe Meeting took place at the Brighton Centre, organised by Unite the Union and the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, bringing together trade unionists, young workers and friends of Cuba from across the United Kingdom.
The meeting featured an address by Pablo Ginarte Sampedro, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Cuba in the United Kingdom, alongside prominent trade union leaders such as Fraser McGuire, Chair of Young Workers at the TUC and Unite Hospitality; Tabusam Ahmed, Regional Officer of Unite London and Eastern; and Rob Miller, Director of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. The session was chaired by Peter Hughes, Regional Secretary of Unite Wales.
In his speech, the Chargé d’Affaires denounced the tightening of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba — a policy reinforced by new unilateral and arbitrary measures that flagrantly violate international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
He underlined that no other country has had to endure such a prolonged, cruel and systematic siege for over six decades, with the declared aim of provoking social collapse and forcing the Cuban people to surrender their sovereignty. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed Cuba’s unwavering commitment to continue building a socialist society based on social justice, equality and international solidarity.
Participants reaffirmed their support for the Cuba Vive Appeal, driven by Unite the Union and its regional branches, which has already raised over £180,000 to send vital medical aid and alleviate shortages caused by the blockade. This assistance enables Cuba’s health system — a symbol of dignity and solidarity — to continue saving lives despite unjust and extraterritorial restrictions.
In his remarks, Fraser McGuire shared his experience as part of the UK May Day Brigade to Cuba, highlighting the unity and spirit of resistance of the Cuban people, which inspires British workers to strengthen their solidarity even further.
Tabusam Ahmed spoke about her participation in the annual Cuba Cycle Challenge, organised by the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, noting her visit to a special education school and praising the dedication and love that Cuban teachers show towards their students, especially in the field of special needs education.
Rob Miller, Director of the CSC, expressed gratitude for Unite the Union’s steadfast support for solidarity with Cuba and encouraged other union branches to join the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, donate to the Cuba Vive Appeal, and help fund further shipments of vital medical supplies — additional containers that will build on those already sent, which are literally saving lives in Cuba today.
The event closed with a call to action to demand an end to the blockade and the removal of Cuba from the arbitrary and unjust list of so-called ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ — a designation with no basis in fact, which further restricts Cuba’s access to international finance.
The Embassy of Cuba in the United Kingdom extends its deepest gratitude to Unite the Union, the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, and all friends of Cuba who continue to defend our sovereignty, dignity and the right of our people to decide their own future, free from external interference.
Cuba resists and moves forward, with solidarity as a powerful force for a world of peace, justice and equality.
