Organise protests to hit back at the West’s escalation of war

At the Stop the War protest in March (Pic: Guy Smallman)

The Stop the War Coalition in Britain and other organisations have called for an international day of action on Saturday 7 May. Stop the War says, “We are calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops, an end to the military escalation by the Nato countries and a negotiated solution to this terrible war which risks nuclear escalation.

“We are asking all anti-war organisations, progressive groups and concerned individuals to organise protests, public meetings and petitioning sessions.” It’s a chance to confidently take the message against invasion and escalation onto the streets. Campaigners should organise the biggest possible events on the day that show the anti-war message is not isolated.

Despite no encouragement—indeed hostility—from the Labour Party and some trade union leaders, millions of people feel no enthusiasm for a wider war. They are fearful of moves that risk nuclear conflict. Such views need to be made public.

Campaigners in Scotland have given a lead by calling a national demonstration on the day. It will demand, “Russian troops out—no to Nato escalation,” and, “No nuclear war—scrap Trident”. The Stop the War Coalition’s annual general meeting on Saturday saw around 150 people discuss the growing war moves and how to oppose them.

A resolution restating the position of opposition to both the Russian invasion and Nato expansion was passed by 119 to nine with ten abstentions. Two other motions which included no criticism of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine were defeated with 24 votes for and around 100 against.

Socialist Worker supporters argued strongly for opposition to Nato, but also against the Russian invasion. Stop the War and others have called for another day of action on 25 June, just before the Nato summit in Madrid, Spain.

• Glasgow demonstration, Sat 7 May, assemble Blythswood Square, 12 noon, for march to George Square for rally

CWU union avoids criticism of Nato

Paul also said the union shouldn’t let its position on Ukraine be dictated by a Labour Party keen to show its support for Nato. “We should do what is right and not fear sir Keir,” he said. 

Sharp difference between trade unions’ response to war in Ukraine

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