Liberation’s AGM on 29 June reflected on the organisation’s role in supporting movements for peace and freedom over the past year, while also looking ahead to the challenges facing the international solidarity movement.
Liberation Parliamentary Chair Brian Leishman MP welcomed attendees and introduced guest speakers Cuban Ambassador Ismara Vargas Walter and TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust.
Bringing greetings from the people of Cuba, Ambassador Vargas Walter emphasised the importance of international solidarity in supporting Cuba’s struggle against the United States’ long-standing economic blockade. She highlighted the severe impact of restrictions on oil supplies, arguing that the resulting energy crisis was a direct consequence of US policy.
“Cuba is living through one of the most difficult times in almost seven decades,” she said. “The energy crisis within our country is not the result of poor management, failed ideology or any natural catastrophe. It is a result of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the US.”
Condemning attempts to “weaponise energy against a civilian population”, the ambassador noted that the blockade continues to be overwhelmingly rejected at the United Nations General Assembly.
“While the blockade has taken much from us, it will never take our dignity, our values or our determination,” she said.
Vargas Walter praised solidarity efforts in Britain, particularly the Cuba Solidarity Campaign’s Cuba Vive medical appeal, which has raised £500,000, and urged continued campaigning to remove Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. The AGM subsequently passed an emergency motion expressing solidarity with the Cuban people and opposing US hostility towards the island.
Maryam Eslamdoust stressed the close relationship between the anti-war and trade union movements, criticising Western governments for prioritising military solutions over diplomacy. She warned that increased NATO military spending risked diverting resources away from public services and essential infrastructure.
“Every pound spent in preparing for war is a pound that cannot be spent on improving people’s lives,” she said.
Eslamdoust argued that governments were increasingly turning to military action before exhausting diplomatic options, undermining faith in negotiations and international law. Referring to attacks on Iran that took place while talks were ongoing, she warned that reliance on force made the world less secure.
She also condemned US policies towards Cuba, Venezuela and other countries in Latin America, arguing that they reflected broader efforts to maintain regional hegemony.
Alongside the guest speakers, delegates debated the international political situation and agreed priorities for the year ahead.
The AGM passed a motion opposing the US-Israeli war against Iran, rejecting foreign intervention, sanctions and externally imposed regime change while calling for a negotiated settlement. Resolutions were also adopted supporting progress towards the reunification of Cyprus and calling for an end to the conflict in Sudan.
Members agreed a number of new initiatives for the coming year, including a history research project with the Young Communist League (YCL). Speakers highlighted the importance of engaging younger generations in solidarity work and strengthening understanding of the challenges facing countries across the Global South.
The AGM also approved plans to continue producing educational factsheets on international issues including colonialism, International Women’s Day and International Human Rights Day.
Annual reports were presented by Assistant General Secretary Jamshid Ahmadi and Treasurer Bahman Tahouri. The newly elected Central Council was tasked with developing a strategic plan for the year ahead, including clear priorities, measurable objectives and further work to raise Liberation’s public profile.
Delegates also paid tribute to former General Secretary Maggie Bowden, agreeing that the AGM should be named in her honour in recognition of her contribution to the organisation.
Closing the meeting, Brian Leishman MP described the AGM as “very positive and productive” and thanked the speakers for their contributions.
“It is an absolute honour to represent Liberation, inside and outside Parliament, and I look forward to continuing representing our movement in Westminster and beyond,” he said.
The views expressed in the articles published on this website do not necessarily represent those of Liberation
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