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McDonnell praises workers in Europe for refusing to load ships with weapons bound for Israel
Displaced Palestinians, carrying their belongings move between southern and northern Gaza along a beach road, in the outskirts of Gaza City, on March 21, 2025

LEFT MP John McDonnell praised workers in Europe today for their refusal to load ships with weapons bound for Israel. 

For example, France’s CGT dockworkers refused to load arms at the country’s largest port in Fos-Marseille. 

Speaking at RMT AGM, the convener of the RMT parliamentary group spoke of his recent arrest at a pro-Gaza demo alongside former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.  

Expressing pride at his involvement in Palestine solidarity campaigning and condemning Israel’s bombing, he said: “It is a war crime and the amount of children being killed is unacceptable.”

Pledging full support for the union in its campaigns ahead, he added: “Whether it is in Parliament or on the picket line, I’ll be with you.”

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey thanked the Harlington and Hayes MP, saying: “John has worked tirelessly — not just on the Employment Rights Bill, but on our work around insourcing.

“You’re a great friend to our union, a socialist and we are proud to have you in our ranks.” 

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