London, 24 June 2025 - The Cuban Embassy in the UK was honoured to host the annual Friends of Cuba reception organised by the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC). The event brought together Members of Parliament, trade union leaders, legal professionals and longstanding friends of Cuba for an evening of reflection, engagement and renewed support for the island's struggle against injustice.
Speaking at the reception, Ambassador Ismara Vargas Walter, expressed her sincere thanks to all present and to the CSC for its tireless work in defence of Cuba's sovereignty. She acknowledged the particularly vital role played by the Friends of Cuba programme in sustaining the day-to-day efforts of the campaign, and extended special thanks to Cuba Vive, the medical aid appeal that continues to send essential supplies to Cuban hospitals.
The Ambassador addressed the increasingly difficult international context facing Cuba, denouncing the illegal US blockade, now intensified by Cuba's unjust inclusion on the list of so-called state sponsors of terrorism. He warned of the growing impunity in international law, and condemned the silence of powerful nations in the face of atrocities such as the ongoing genocide in Gaza. "Cuba will never remain silent in the face of injustice," he declared.
Rob Miller, Director of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, welcomed attendees and thanked the Friends of the CSC for their unwavering support. He reflected on recent achievements and the importance of building a broad and principled movement in defence of Cuba.
Kevan Nelson, Deputy General Secretary of UNISON, reiterated the British trade union movement's ongoing commitment to solidarity with Cuba. He praised the work of the CSC and encouraged greater trade union involvement in the campaign for an end to the blockade and support for Cuban sovereignty.
Michelle Cronin, Commercial Director of Thompsons Solicitors, addressed the legal implications of the blockade and the extraterritorial impact of US sanctions. She reaffirmed Thompsons' longstanding solidarity with Cuba and its support for the Cuban people's right to trade, develop and live free from coercion.
Paula Barker MP, a strong supporter of Cuba in Parliament and a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cuba, stressed the importance of parliamentary pressure on the British government to take a stronger stance against the blockade and to support the removal of Cuba from the US list of terrorist countries. He also expressed solidarity with the Cuban people in their internationalist support for Palestine and other peoples facing imperialist aggression.
The event was also attended by MPs Richard Burgon, Navendu Mishra and Shockat Adam, who have expressed strong support for Cuba's right to self-determination and an end to the blockade.
The reception concluded with a call to action: to expand the Friends of Cuba network, to strengthen solidarity in all sectors and to continue to speak out in defence of Cuba's independence, dignity and values of peace and justice.
