BRIGHTON, 8 September 2025 – In a forceful speech at the 157th Annual Congress of British Trade Unions (TUC), the counterpart organisation of the Cuban Workers' Central (CTC), Ambassador Ismara Vargas Walter presented the ‘unvarnished truth’ about the devastating impact of the United States' economic, commercial and financial blockade against our country.
The event, entitled ‘Hands Off Cuba! New threats from a second Trump presidency,’ was organised by the Campaign for Solidarity with Cuba (CSC) and was attended by a large number of trade union delegates at the Brighton Centre.
During her speech, the Ambassador detailed the human cost of a policy she described as an ‘intensified economic war’ and a ‘selective assault’ on Cuba's social achievements.
The Cuban Ambassador strongly condemned Cuba's inclusion on the US State Department's list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, calling it a ‘politically motivated lie’ and ‘libel that must end’. She explained that this designation is the mechanism that ‘reinforces the blockade, transforming economic pressure into a large-scale financial siege,’ and is the direct cause of the economic suffocation and shortages suffered by the Cuban people.
With deep gratitude, the Ambassador acknowledged the ‘extraordinary and unwavering solidarity’ of the British people, embodied by the Campaign for Solidarity with Cuba and the trade union movement. She highlighted the ‘Cuba Vive’ medical appeal, a joint effort that has raised nearly £200,000 and sent four containers of vital medical supplies to the island so far this year.
‘Your solidarity is tangible and saves lives,’ she said. ‘On behalf of every patient who has been treated, every doctor who has been equipped and every life that has been saved, I say to you: thank you.’
The Ambassador's message was reinforced by a distinguished panel of British trade union leaders and activists, demonstrating the breadth of support for Cuba within the UK labour movement. The session was chaired by Sarah Woolley, General Secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU).
Speakers included:
Fran Heathcote, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), who warned of the new threats facing Cuba and reaffirmed her union's commitment to international solidarity.
Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the Prison Officers' Association (POA), highlighted his organisation's long tradition of solidarity and encouraged young trade unionists to learn about the reality of Cuba first-hand.
Kevin Courtney, President of the Campaign for Solidarity with Cuba (CSC), denounced the injustice of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and called for an intensification of the campaign to end the blockade.
Mariela Kohon, International Officer of the TUC, reiterated the Congress of Trade Unions' historic policy of solidarity with the workers and people of Cuba.
Tam McFarlane, National Officer of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), spoke of the importance of practical solidarity, such as that demonstrated by his union over the years.
Micaela Tracey-Ramos, Vice-Chair of UNISON's International Committee, highlighted her union's crucial support for the “Cuba Vive” medical campaign, which provides vital supplies to the island.
Stuart Latham, from Thompsons Solicitors, addressed the illegal nature of the blockade under international law and its extraterritorial impact.
Finally, the Ambassador stressed that Cuba will stand firm, and that in this context the solidarity of trade unions, and specifically the TUC, is more important than ever.