Liverpool, 18 June 2025 - The Cuban Embassy in the UK proudly participated in a powerful and well-attended side meeting entitled "Hands off Cuba!", held in parallel to the UNISON 2025 National Delegates Conference at ACC Liverpool. The meeting brought together trade union delegates and solidarity activists to demand an immediate end to the US economic blockade against Cuba and to reaffirm the strength of international solidarity with the Cuban people.
In her remarks, Ambassador Ismara Vargas Walter expressed her deep gratitude to UNISON, one of the largest trade unions in the UK, and the Cuba Solidarity Campaign for their consistent and principled support for Cuba in the face of growing US hostility.
"On behalf of the Cuban people and government, I thank them. At a time of profound economic hardship caused by an intensified blockade, your solidarity is not only felt, but sustains our resilience," the Ambassador said.
The Ambassador addressed the serious challenges Cuba faces due to the tightening of the blockade under the new Trump administration in the United States, which has maintained and expanded Cuba's unjust designation as a so-called "state sponsor of terrorism", a label that severely restricts access to international finance, trade and even humanitarian aid.
Despite these challenges, the Cuban people continue to resist with dignity and resilience. The Ambassador praised UNISON's outstanding contribution to the Cuba Vive appeal, which has raised over £180,000 in vital medical aid to help supply Cuban hospitals with essential equipment and materials.
Young trade unionists who had recently returned from Cuba as part of the May Day Brigade, organised by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), also took part in the meeting. They shared testimonies of their experiences in Cuba, highlighting the country's achievements in health, education and community solidarity, despite continuing economic difficulties.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Cuba's deep commitment to peace and international law and took the opportunity to address broader global concerns. She strongly condemned the genocide in Gaza and the Israeli military aggression against Iran, including the 13 June attack. It reiterated Cuba's call for an end to Israeli impunity and for urgent action by the international community to safeguard peace and uphold the principles of the UN Charter.
"Cuba stands in strong solidarity with the peoples of Palestine and Iran in their struggle against imperialism and for self-determination," he said. "We demand an immediate cessation of aggression and a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital."
The side event concluded with a unifying message: "From Liverpool to Havana: Hands off Cuba! Participants echoed this call with a renewed commitment to intensify campaigning efforts across the UK, including lobbying for Cuba's removal from the US terrorist list, ending the blockade and strengthening people-to-people links through educational and solidarity exchanges.
The Cuban Embassy in the UK reaffirms its thanks to UNISON, the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and all of Cuba's allies in the British labour movement who continue to defend Cuba's right to sovereignty, self-determination and social justice.
