London, September 23, 2023 - British unionists from different sectors, members of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC) and parliamentarians expressed their opposition to the blockade imposed by the US on Cuba for more than 60 years, while ratifying their solidarity with the Island in an event held on Friday night in the English city of Leeds.
"The blockade is criminal, unfair and illegal," said Richard Burgon, member of the British Parliament for Leeds East. Burgon, who has also played an active role in the solidarity movement with Cuba, highlighted the Island's example of internationalism, from its support for national liberation movements in Africa to the sending of medical brigades from the Henry Reeve contingent to several countries under Martí's precept that "Homeland is humanity." Likewise, he called on all those who believe in human rights to join the vast majority of the international community and oppose the blockade.
Frederick Galluci, a young trade unionist from the Thompson Solicitors law firm, denounced the effects of the blockade on the Cuban people, which he was able to see during his recent visit to Cuba as part of the international brigade on May Day. "Cubans are under siege: the US blockade is an economic war and the international community must act to end it now," he added.
Representatives of the Education and Fire Brigades unions also ratified solidarity with Cuba. There was a recurring question: How can we support the Cuban people more?
Cuban ambassador, Bárbara E. Montalvo Álvarez, thanked the work of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign in the United Kingdom for more than 40 years. In particular, she mentioned the support of the CSC in Leeds in the international battle for the freedom of the Cuban Five. She updated those present on the current situation in Cuba. She affirmed that all the country's efforts in recent years have been severely affected by the impact of the economic war against Cuba, mentioning among the most aggressive measures: inclusion of Cuba in the list of SSOT, activation of title III of the Helms Burton law and persecution of fuel supplies among others. "However, what the blockade has not been able to stop, although it has intensified to unprecedented levels since the Trump administration, is solidarity with Cuba, even within the United States," added the head of the Cuban mission.
It preceded the interventions, the presentation of the film Maestra by Catherine Murphy, which includes a compilation of interviews with Cubans who participated in the Literacy Campaign on the Island.