London, 31 October 2023 - In a letter recently sent to the US Consul General in Scotland, the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Cuba advocated for the lifting of the blockade and the removal of the Island from the list of States Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT).
"For Cuba, in terms of the potential for economic growth, technological advancement, scientific progress, and communication improvements – this blockade has been damaging, it has been restrictive, and it is wholly unnecessary. We are of the view that it must be lifted", the letter emphasizes.
Likewise, it highlights the challenges that the Cuban people face due to this policy, which several Young Scottish Trade Unionists have been able to experience during their visits to Cuba.
"The USA holds the power in this case, and it must use that power sensibly and empathetically to support the Cuban people build a sustainable and progressive economy and society. We know it has the ability and potential to do so, it is on the US Government to allow it to have the means. We once again call on the immediate removal of Cuba from the SSOT list and call on the US Government to end the blockade" , concludes the letter, which was also copied to the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
The Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Cuba is made up of MSPs, individuals and organisations such as Scotish Cuba Solidarity Campaign.