Stop the War Coalition newsletter

Newsletter – 24/01/25

As Israel’s genocide against Palestinians continues, we must keep protesting.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza began, Israel has conducted airstrikes on the West Bank, laid siege to Jenin’s Palestinian hospital and bombed its refugee camp, while Israeli settlers have torched and bulldozed Palestinian homes under the watchful eyes of the IDF. Water and electricity supplies have been cut and thousands have been forcibly displaced. At least 12 Palestinians have been killed.

The Palestine movement is as necessary as ever. The government has tried to silence us, but we will not be silenced.

For over a year the Palestine protests have been derided as ‘hate marches’ and have suffered arbitrary police restrictions. Last Saturday (18 January) these attacks reached a new level, leading to the arrest of around 77 protesters and the charging of two leading figures from the Palestine Coalition under the Public Order Act – Chris Nineham, chief steward and vice-chair of StWC and Ben Jamal, Director of PSC. Two MPs on Saturday’s protest were also called in for questioning by the police.

This is not just a serious attack on the Palestine movement, but an attack on our democratic right to protest. Both Amnesty and Liberty have condemned the police action during and before our demonstration, and dozens of prominent UK legal scholars have called for an independent inquiry into the Metropolitan Police actions.  

On Saturday (25 Jan) the Palestine Coalition is holding a public meeting to discuss the impact of these events on our movement and our cilvil liberties and how to defend our hard-won democratic rights. Please join us at the Atrium, London E2, 2pm.

Speakers include Chris Nineham, Ben Jamal, Stephen Kapos, Fran Heathcote, Leanne Mohamed, Brian Eno and Khalid Abdalla.

These attacks are not isolated to the Palestine movement. From peace activists and environmental protestors, to NHS campaigners and trade unionists we are all under threat.

It is crucial we come together and campaign to defend those arrested and demand the charges are dropped. We must also campaign to defend the right to protest and for the repeal of the draconian Public Order Act – legislation deliberately designed to clampdown on peaceful protest.

What you can do to help

• Lobby your MP
• Organise a petitioning session - petition here
• Hold a street stall to highlight these attacks on the movement
• Arrange a local meeting – Chris Nineham will be happy to speak if able

We have launched a fund drive to raise money for our campaign. We need all the help we can get, so please give generously and do what you can.

We are asking all our supporters to join us to protest outside Westminster Magistrates Court, on Thursday 13 February at 12:30 pm to demand the charges against Chris Nineham, StWC vice-chair, be dropped and to defend the right to protest.

Our next workplace day of action on 13 February 2025 has taken on a new urgency following the police attacks on the Palestine movement. The trade union movement must intensify its demands on the UK government to end its support for Israel.

Send us an email to let us know what action is happening in your workplace. It’s not a moment too soon to start organising. And tag us in social media pics and videos on the day. The hashtag is #Workplaces4Palestine

AGM – online – 2 February, 12-4pm

Calling all StW groups, affiliates and members! You are invited to attend our 2024 – 2025 AGM, which will take place online on  Sunday 2 February 2025, 12pm – 4pm.

The AGM is where the policies of the coalition are discussed and decided for the next year. All Stop the War members, along with delegates from local groups (up to 4 delegates) and affiliates (up to 2 delegates), are entitled to attend and vote.

Please make sure to register your delegates by Friday 31 January 2025.

January Membership Offer

This month only – support Stop the War for a year and become a member for just £25. This offer expires at the end of January.

This week’s anti-war briefing