AGM 2022

AGM 2022

Below is a list of motions passed at the AGM, and those remitted to the Executive Committee for further consideration. Additionally confirmation of those elected to serve on the Executive Committee

Motions passed

• Motion 1: Motion to amend PSC’s constitution
• Motion 2: Administrative detention
• Motion 3: Oppose UK–Israel collusion – direct action
• Motion 4: Palestine Action
• Motion 7: Helping more people to boycott 
• Motion 8: Helping branches grow and new members learn
• Emergency Motions
  

  Motion 1: Motion to amend PSC’s constitution

  Proposed by: The Executive Committee

  This AGM resolves to amend the Constitution and Articles of Association of Palestine Solidarity Campaign by adopting the following text. This shall constitute a Special Resolution under the Companies Act. The Companies Acts 1984 and 2006 A Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a Share Capital Articles of Association, and Constitution of Palestine Solidarity Campaign Ltd.

  PART I: PRELIMINARY
  1. Name of organisation
  1.1. The name of the organisation is Palestine Solidarity Campaign Ltd, abbreviated to PSC.
  2. Registered location
  2.1. The organisation is registered in England.

  PART II: AIM, OBJECTIVES and VALUES
  3. Aim
  3.1. The Aim of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign is to support the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom justice and equality. We campaign in support of:
  3.1.1. the right of self-determination for the Palestinian people;
  3.1.2. the right of return of the Palestinian people;
  3.1.3. the Palestinian struggle to end the systems of settler colonialism, apartheid, and military occupations, motivated by Zionism, which deny the realisation of those rights.

  4. Objectives
  4.1. To build a mass campaign in support of the rights of the Palestinian people.
  4.2. To expose and campaign against all actions by the Israeli state and those complicit in suppressing the rights of the Palestinian people.
  4.3. To foster political, cultural and social links with Palestinian organisations seeking to achieve self-determination for the Palestinian people.
  4.4. To expose, challenge and end the complicity of UK government public bodies, companies and corporations, and any other international entities complicit in supporting Israel’s suppression of the rights of the Palestinian people.
  4.5. To build the maximum unity in action possible in support of these objectives.

  5. Values
  5.1. The values that inform the PSC’s work and activities include:
  5.1.1. the promotion of positive cooperation and respect between all those seeking to campaign in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and who share the Aims, Objectives and Values of the PSC;
  5.1.2. a commitment to equality and seeking to ensure that discriminatory acts are not committed against anyone by the PSC, its members or its staff as outlined within the Code of Conduct;
  5.1.3. the opposition to all forms of racism, including Islamophobia and antisemitism;
  5.1.4. the promotion of the voices of Palestinian civil society, ensuring that this is inclusive of those who may face additional barriers in having their voices heard relating to aspects of their identity; and
  5.1.5. independence from any political party or government.

  PART III: MEMBERSHIP

  6. Membership
  6.1. Membership of the PSC is open to all those who agree with its Aims and Objectives and who uphold the Values of the campaign.
  6.2. The Executive Committee is responsible for determining admission to, and where necessary termination of, membership.

  7. Rights of members
  7.1. Members are entitled to participate in national Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) and, once they have three months’ membership, are entitled to vote at such meetings.
  7.2. Members’ contact details will be made available to branch officers for the purposes of PSC business only.
  7.3. Members are entitled to participate in Branch Forum meetings on behalf of their branch.

  8. Liability of members
  8.1. The liability of the members of the Company is limited.
  8.2. Each member promises that if the Company is wound up while they are a member (or within one year after they cease to be a member), they will contribute a sum not exceeding £1 to the assets of the Company, to be applied towards:
  8.2.1. payment of the Company’s debts and liabilities contracted before they cease to be a member;
  8.2.2. payment of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up; and
  8.2.3. adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves.

  9. Responsibilities of members
  9.1. Members must support and promote the Aims, Objectives and Values of the PSC as set out in this Constitution.
  9.2. Members must abide by the Code of Conduct and Constitution.
  9.3. Members must pay the required membership subscription.

  10. Resignation and termination of membership
  10.1. A member may resign from the PSC in writing by letter or e-mail sent to the PSC office.
  10.2. Where an annual subscription remains unpaid six months after the renewal date, that membership ceases.
  10.3. The Executive Committee may, by a two-thirds majority, reject, terminate or suspend the membership of an individual member found to have breached the Constitution or Code of Conduct.
  10.4. A suspension or termination may be appealed against in line with the Appeal Process referred to in the relevant Regulation.

  PART IV STRUCTURE

  11. Amendments to the Constitution
  11.1. Any proposal to amend the Constitution:
  11.1.1. must be submitted as a motion in accordance with the rules governing motion submissions to an AGM or EGM (collectively a General Meeting) as referred to in section 15 of this Constitution; and
  11.1.2. requires at least 75% of votes cast at the relevant quorate General Meeting in order to be passed.

  12. Interpretation
  12.1. Where a dispute arises about the meaning of any part of this Constitution, the matter will be referred to the Executive Committee for decision.
  12.2. Such decisions may be challenged at the following General Meeting.

  13. Branches
  13.1. The Executive Committee may approve the formation of local branches.
  13.2. New branches or branches wishing to rename shall incorporate Palestine Solidarity Campaign within their name.
  13.3. Existing branches which for historical reasons do not include Palestine Solidarity Campaign within their name may keep that name, but shall reference the Palestine Solidarity Campaign within their constitution.
  13.4. All branch names shall be approved by the Executive Committee.
  13.5. All branches shall adopt the PSC Code of Conduct and have a responsibility for upholding it in relation to activity associated with the branch.
  13.6. All branches shall have a constitution, approved by the Executive Committee.
  13.7. The branch constitution shall state:
  13.7.1. that the branch executive, elected officers and other individuals acting prominently on behalf of the branch shall be national members of the PSC;
  13.7.2. that all branch members shall abide by the PSC’s Aims, Objectives, Values and Code of Conduct;
  13.7.3. the procedure for electing the branch executive and elected officers;
  13.7.4. that it shall put in place an appropriate accounting and auditing framework;
  13.7.5. that the branch must hold AGMs no more than 15 months apart; and
  13.7.6. that members are entitled to participate in local branch meetings and are entitled to vote at such meetings.

  14. Affiliates
  14.1. An organisation that supports the Aims and Objectives of the PSC may apply to, or be invited by, the Executive Committee to become an affiliate of the PSC.
  14.2. All affiliations must be approved by the Executive Committee.
  14.3. Affiliates must pay an annual fee determined from time to time by the Executive Committee.
  14.4. Affiliates may send an observer to Branch Forum meetings.
  14.5. Affiliates of the PSC remain independent of the PSC and remain solely responsible for their conduct and the conduct of their members.
  14.6. The Executive Committee has the power to suspend or revoke the affiliation of any organisation that acts contrary to the Aims, Objectives, Values or Code of Conduct of the PSC.
  14.7. A suspension or revocation of affiliation may be appealed against in line with the appeal process referred to in the relevant Regulation.

  PART V: GOVERNANCE

  15. Annual General Meetings and Elections
  15.1. The Annual General Meeting shall be the policy making body of the PSC.
  15.2. The PSC shall hold an AGM once in each calendar year. Not more than 15 months shall elapse between the date of one AGM and the next. The AGM may be held in-person, online or a combination thereof at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
  15.3. The Agenda of the AGM shall include:
  15.3.1. the presentation for approval of an Annual Plan for the coming year;
  15.3.2. the Annual Report of the work of the PSC since the last AGM;
  15.3.3. the presentation of accounts;
  15.3.4. membership and affiliation report;
  15.3.5. motions submitted by members, branches, affiliates, the Executive Committee and any duly constituted committees of the PSC as approved by the AGM;
  15.3.6. the election of the Executive Committee and any other posts contained within the Constitution or Regulations of the PSC, or which are approved by the AGM;
  15.3.7. speakers who may be invited to attend and address the AGM by the Executive Committee on behalf of the membership.
  15.4. The Executive Committee shall begin preparing for the AGM at least three months in advance of the scheduled date, publicising the date of the meeting, opening registration and inviting motions and nominations from members, branches and affiliates.
  15.5. Motions and nominations for the AGM must be submitted in writing or online to the PSC office at least eight weeks before the scheduled AGM. Amendments to the motions must be received in the PSC office at least fourteen days before the AGM. The Annual Report and accounts, the Annual Plan, motions and nominations shall be circulated to members, branches and affiliated organisations at least six weeks before the scheduled date of the AGM. Amendments to motions shall be circulated to members, branches and affiliated organisations at least seven days before the scheduled date of the AGM.
  15.6. Motions and amendments shall be for the purpose of establishing the political positions and campaigning priorities of the PSC or for considering matters of internal organisation. Motions must not contain language contrary to the PSC’s Code of Conduct or place the PSC in legal jeopardy. If a motion or amendment is ruled out of order by two thirds of the votes cast in a quorate Executive Committee meeting, the proposers will be informed before the AGM.
  15.7. Except for amendments to this Constitution, motions shall be no longer than 500 words and amendments no longer than 250 words.
  15.8. Motions on an emergency subject may be submitted in writing or online, together with a proposer and seconder, until 5pm on the day preceding the AGM. Emergency subjects shall be items that could not reasonably have been submitted in line with the ordinary motion or amendment deadlines and where a failure to consider the item would substantially impair the work of the PSC. The eligibility of a motion submitted under this procedure shall be determined by the Chair, who shall inform the AGM of the decision. Motions deemed ineligible shall be remitted for discussion at the following meeting of the Executive Committee.
  15.9. Any member who has been a member for at least six months before nominations open is eligible to submit a nomination or stand for election to elected posts.
  15.10. Motions and amendments must have the name of the proposer and seconder, who shall be either individual members, branches, affiliates, the Executive Committee or a duly constituted committee of the PSC. Nominations must have the name of the proposer and seconder who shall be individual members.
  15.11. The format for submission of statements to support nominations shall be determined by the Executive Committee and contained in the Election Regulations.
  15.12. The Election Regulations shall be made by the Executive Committee and shall include advertisement of elections, receipt of nominations, confirmation of eligibility of candidature, candidature publicity, the election and counting of votes;
  procedure in the event of a disputed election; and procedure for electing candidates to posts for which no nominations have been received.
  15.13. Executive Committee members shall serve until the end of the AGM following their election. Retiring Executive Committee members are eligible for re-election.

  16. Extraordinary General Meetings
  16.1. An Extraordinary General Meeting may be authorised by the Executive Committee or an Annual General Meeting, whenever either body considers sufficient reason exists. Notice of why such a meeting is deemed necessary together with any relevant motions to be considered must be given. Such meetings require that at least 21 days’ notice be given to all members, branches and affiliates.
  16.2. The Executive Committee will also convene an EGM relating to a specific area of PSC policy or activity if it receives a request to that effect supported by at least 5% of the individual membership having the right to attend and vote at General Meetings.
  16.3. Notice shall be inclusive of the day on which it is served and the day of the meeting.
  16.4. A notice in writing may be made by email or post.

  17. Proceedings at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings
  17.1. The Chairperson, or if required one of the Vice Chairs, shall preside at every General Meeting. If no Chair or Vice Chair is present within 15 minutes of the time appointed, or if either Chair or Vice Chair is present but unwilling to do so, then the members present shall elect a member of the Executive Committee to preside. If no member of the Executive Committee is present or willing to do so, then the members present shall elect one of their number to preside.
  17.2. No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum of members is present. A quorum shall consist of 100 members or 10% of the membership having a right to attend and vote at that meeting, whichever is the lowest.
  17.3. If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes of the time appointed for holding the General Meeting, the Executive Committee shall determine whether it be dissolved or adjourned to such a day, time and place as it thinks fit, with notice of at least 21 days being provided to eligible attendees.
  17.4. The proceedings at General Meetings will be conducted as laid down in the General Meeting Standing Orders.
  17.5. Each fully paid up member who has been a member of the national PSC for three months before a General Meeting shall have one vote.
  17.6. All persons voting must be individual members of the national PSC or representing a nationally affiliated organisation.
  17.7. Delegates from national organisations affiliated to the PSC will have three votes if they have a minimum of 100,000 members or one vote if fewer.
  17.8. PSC branches and nationally affiliated organisations will have one vote.
  17.9. All delegates, whether individual members or those duly nominated by their branch or nationally affiliated organisation, must be registered with the PSC national office at least two clear days before the meeting.
  17.10. Unless otherwise specified in the Constitution or Standing Orders, all votes will be determined on the basis of a simple majority, with the Chair holding a casting vote in the case of a tie.

  18. Executive Committee
  18.1. The Executive Committee shall be accountable to the membership for:
  18.1.1. the implementation of the PSC’s Annual Plan;
  18.1.2. the proper management of the affairs of the PSC including financial affairs; and
  18.1.3. decisions made between AGMs.
  18.2. The Executive Committee shall consist of:
  18.2.1. the Chair;
  18.2.2. two Vice-Chairs, at least one of whom shall be a woman;
  18.2.3. the Secretary;
  18.2.4. the Treasurer;
  18.2.5. the Trade Union Liaison Officer;
  18.2.6. two representatives of the Trade Union Advisory Committee, at least one of whom shall be a woman;
  18.2.7. one representative of the Student and Youth Committee; and
  18.2.8. eight other elected members, at least four of whom shall be women.
  18.3. The Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt a further three persons without voting rights onto the Executive Committee if this is felt necessary to aid its work and deliberations.
  18.4. The Executive Committee, except for co-opted members, shall constitute Palestine Solidarity Campaign Limited’s Board of Directors.
  18.5. The Executive Committee shall meet not less than six times per year and will endeavour to hold meetings by video or remotely unless the Officers Group decides that a physical Executive Committee meeting is preferable.
  18.6. The Executive Committee shall make the minutes of its meetings available on request to all duly constituted PSC branches subject to any confidentiality requirements and/or matters which would materially and adversely impact the PSC
  if made public.
  18.7. Every duly constituted branch of the PSC has the right to place an item on the Executive Committee agenda and to send a representative to participate in the relevant portion of the Executive Committee meeting at which it is discussed.
  18.8. Members attending Executive Committee meetings shall withdraw from any agenda item which causes or may cause a conflict of interest.
  18.9. The Officers Group shall be a sub-committee of the Executive Committee.
  18.9.1. The Officers Group shall consist of the Chair, Vice-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, and up to two others to be elected by the Executive Committee. The Director will be invited to attend all Officer Group meetings.
  18.9.2. The Officers Group shall be responsible for ensuring the implementation of policy and for decision-making between Executive meetings.
  18.9.3. The Officers Group shall create and maintain a register of major risks to the PSC and propose recommendations to the Executive Committee for risk mitigation.
  18.9.4. The Officers Group shall be accountable to the Executive Committee.
  18.9.5. The Officers Group must report its decisions to the Executive Committee at every Executive Committee meeting.
  18.10. The Staffing and Management Committee (SMC) shall be a subcommittee of the Executive Committee.
  18.10.1. The SMC shall consist of the Chair, Vice-Chairs, Secretary and Treasurer.
  18.10.2. The SMC shall oversee staffing matters.
  18.10.3. The Director shall report to the SMC, with the Chair holding formal management responsibility for the Director.
  18.10.4. The SMC shall monitor the PSC’s finances and budget plans.
  18.10.5. The SMC shall review the accounts and finances of the PSC and make recommendations to the Executive Committee.

  19. Branch Forum
  19.1. The PSC Branch Forum shall be a meeting for members and branch representatives primarily for the interchange of information, discussion, and training.
  19.2. The PSC Branch Forum shall meet physically or virtually at a frequency agreed by the Executive Committee in consultation with the Branch Forum.
  19.3. The PSC Branch Forum may make recommendations to the Executive Committee, which must be considered and given due weight.

  20. Patrons
  20.1. The Executive Committee may invite prominent supporters of the Aims of the PSC to become Patrons of the organisation. The position of Patron is purely honorary and confers no executive authority or democratic rights in the organisation.
  21. Regulations
  21.1. The Executive Committee shall make provision for regulations governing the PSC’s activities, including the following:
  21.1.1. Terms of Reference for the Executive Committee and other committees that the Executive Committee may from time to time deem necessary;
  21.1.2. definition of roles and responsibilities of elected post holders;
  21.1.3. definition of the role of staff, including the Director, within the organisation;
  21.1.4. Complaints Procedure;
  21.1.5. Appeals Procedure;
  21.1.6. Code of Conduct;
  21.1.7. openness and accountability of the Executive Committee;
  21.1.8. Standing Orders for meetings.
  21.2. Nothing in the Regulations shall be contradictory to the provisions of this Constitution.
  21.3. The Regulations may be amended by the Executive Committee with a majority voting in favour.

  PART VI: FINANCE

  22. Finance
  22.1. Subject at all times to the relevant Companies Act, statutory and regulatory requirements:
  22.1.1. The PSC is responsible for ensuring that funds provided to it are used only for those activities which are in accordance with its Aims and Objectives.
  22.1.2. The Executive Committee is required to:
  22.1.2.1. ensure that accounts and accounting records are kept in accordance with the relevant regulations and laws, and that accounting information is prepared and presented in accordance with normal accounting principles;
  22.1.2.2. ensure the preparation of annual accounts and their availability to Members at the AGM;
  22.1.2.3. ensure that an appropriate system of internal financial management and control is maintained; and
  22.1.2.4. take responsibility for the determination of the pay, terms and conditions of service of any staff employed by the PSC.
  22.1.3. Independent examiners or auditors shall be appointed by the AGM.

  PART VII: WINDING UP

  23. Winding up
  23.1. A motion to wind up and dissolve the PSC requires at least 75% of votes cast at the relevant quorate General Meeting in order to be passed.
  23.2. The net assets of the PSC following dissolution shall go to one or more organisations having similar aims as decided by the General Meeting and in accordance with the provisions of the relevant sections of the Articles of Association relating to the winding up and dissolution of the PSC.

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  Motion 2: Administrative detention

  Proposed by: Carol Stavris
  Seconded by: Pam Parsons

  The Palestine Solidarity Campaign strenuously opposes Israel’s widespread use of administrative detention to hold Palestinians for long periods of time without charge, trial or conviction. Administrative detention by an occupying power is only allowed in rare, exceptional circumstances under International Law yet Israel continually uses this method with impunity, especially against political activists. Thousands of Palestinians have been held in this way, sometimes for years. Those under 18 years old and even young children are not exempted. Those detained have no real opportunity to mount a defence as judges routinely accept prosecution demands to keep evidence secret on the grounds of national security.

  The British mandate of 1945 Defence (Emergency) Regulations, amended 1979, is the legal basis which allowed Israel to form its Law on Authority in States of Emergency, including administrative detention, so Britain bears a responsibility to call Israel to account for its misuse. Israeli military forces use weapons and equipment sold by Britain when carrying out house arrests.

  PSC therefore resolves to spotlight Israel’s use of administrative detention by:
  • Launching a Campaign, targeting the British government’s toleration of this method of imprisonment which is contrary to International Law.
  • Providing up to date material on the issue for use by local groups with information on how to get active in the Campaign.
  • Highlighting the sales of British armaments and equipment used in the arrest methods of Israeli security forces.
  • Having at least one public event during the year specifically on administrative detention.
  • Continuing to give support and publicity to the struggle for freedom of all those who are held without trial in Israeli prisons.

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  Motion 3: Oppose UK–Israel collusion – direct action

  As amended

  1. PSC AGM notes:
  A. The November 2021 UK–Israel memorandum of understanding that “will enable closer working in diplomacy, defence and security, cyber, science, technology, and many other areas. Through the Roadmap, we will elevate the UK–Israel relationship to a strategic partnership.”
  (With no reference whatsoever to human rights being considered or respected in this ‘partnership’.)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-israel-strategic-partnership- memorandum-of-understanding-2021
  B. The UK Government awarding an increasing number of contracts to Israeli arms company Elbit Systems UK, including £102 million (February 2021) to produce ‘Dismounted Joint Fire Integrator’ (automated shooting systems) for the British Army. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/102-million-investment-in-detect-and- destroy-system-for-british-army
  C. The role of mass mobilisations such as the May 2021 London demonstrations and nationwide protests, trade union solidarity and campaigns by PSC nationally and locally, in mainstreaming BDS in the wider movement.
  D. The direct action by Palestine Action against Elbit and its role in the welcome closure of the Oldham plant, alongside local campaigns by Oldham Peace and Justice, PSC and others.

  2. PSC AGM believes:
  A. Israel seeks to profit from selling technologies ‘battle tested’ on the Palestinians, with Israeli politicians themselves at times involved in the process.
  B. Israel uses military technologies to perpetrate war crimes against Palestinians.
  C. Under international law and universal jurisdiction, states have a duty to stop / prevent such crimes.
  D. Acts to prevent greater crimes can be a vital and legitimate legal defence for civilians undertaking direct action.
  E. Direct action and civil disobedience, have an important place in the building of a broad mass movement.

  3. PSC AGM condemns the UK Government’s ever-more shameless ignoring, or condoning of Israel flouting international law, and the Labour Party for failing to challenge these developments (noting that Richard Burgon’s private members’ Israel Arms Trade (Prohibition) Bill, while worthy, has only a small number of Labour MPs amongst its 54 cross-party supporters).

  4. PSC AGM resolves:
  A. To publicise and campaign against the UK Government’s increasing collusion with Israel.
  B. To support the efforts of activists who, in response to Israeli breaches of international law, and the UK political establishment’s collusion, take appropriate direct action to try and stop or prevent these crimes, including support for individuals facing charges for taking such action
  C. To support local PSC, trade union and community campaigns against Elbit

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  Motion 4 – Palestine Action

  As amended
  This AGM welcomes:
  1. The closure of the Elbit Ferranti factory in Oldham
  2. The recent acquittal of 3 activists in Newcastle-under-Lyme

  This AGM notes:
  • That this victory was achieved by sustained activism, by groups including Palestine Action, and local PSC branches
  This AGM believes:
  • Direct action of various forms has a role to play as part of a broader strategy geared towards building a mass movement in solidarity with Palestine’.
  • Those who have been arrested for their participation in protests at Elbit should be defended, as part of a broader defence of the right to protest’
  This AGM resolves:
  To mandate the EC to continue to seek engagement with Palestine Action to resolve issues of concern held by PSC and others and to explore avenues of cooperation

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  Motions remitted to EC

  Motion 7: Helping more people to boycott

  Proposed by: Stephen Watters
  Seconded by: Rada Daniell

  In addition to the PUMA campaign and the JCB campaign currently being figured out, in addition to responding to requests from the Boycott National Committee (BNC), PACBI and appropriate others for support on initiatives that develop through the year, it is proposed to enhance BDS, the boycott element, by listing other existing boycott campaigns or new campaigns that PSC members can choose to support. As examples, past or present: AirBNB, Booking.com, Axa, Teva, but it can be random luck if people find out about them. That needn’t be PSC staff identifying; it could be by a PSC branch, select branches, or any individual notifying PSC. PSC can check it’s validity and keep on a list in the resources section of the website. It is not for PSC to take on as an additional core campaign, just check and list it, should anyone wish to pursue as a boycott. This way, widen the BDS net, capture people who use these companies but know nothing about Palestine, a way to introduce more people to the Palestine cause, and further the Palestinian call for BDS.

  Amendment to Motion 7:
  Proposed by: Stephen Watters
  Seconded by: Rada Daniell
  Delete all words from “In addition” in the first sentence to “…call for BDS” in the last sentence and replace with
  “This AGM notes that:
  BDS is the cornerstone of our campaigning and crucial given Israeli, and UK efforts, to delegitimise BDS.
  Recognises:
  • the importance of working closely with the BNC alongside key partners to identify targets for strategic BDS campaigns.
  • the importance of focusing on a few campaigns to maximise our impact.
  • emerging campaigns endorsed by BNC may be supported.
  Resolves:
  • To ensure updated information is provided about such campaigns, to maximise engagement.
  • To also list other targets advised by members, not for PSC campaigning, but so anyone can additionally boycott. There are too few targets when people look to PSC for what to boycott.

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  Motion 8: Helping branches grow and new members learn

  Proposed by: Stephen Watters
  Seconded by: Rada Daniell
  To assist branches with growth, it could help if they set what they feel is an achievable target and timeframe for their size of branch, they figure a strategy, ideas for doing so, and they review their results and strategy at the end of that timeframe.
  Branches are encouraged to meet periodically to discuss what works well and what doesn’t. Branches can assist the learning of new members by sending them the short series of films that PSC is making explaining how Israel meets the definition of an apartheid state.

  Amendment to Motion 8:
  Proposed by: Norwich PSC
  Seconded by: Stephen Watters
  Delete all and insert:
  “This AGM recognises the need for PSC to help branches grow and educate their members.
  To achieve this, branches should be supported to develop best practice in campaigning strategy, communication and outreach, and be provided with accurate and relevant information and tools for education and evaluation.
  The AGM resolves to:
  – Continue to offer branches remote training and resources e.g. videos and factsheets, supporting branch officers to pass on new skills and information to committee and ordinary members
  – Reinstate face-to-face AGMs and regional forums where and when it is safe to do so, in addition to online branch forums
  – Facilitate branch-to-branch communication, creating space for branch officer-led discussion of meeting topics e.g. by using breakout rooms at branch forums
  – Review the experience and process of joining PSC for new members and offer new members an option for their details to be shared with their local branch Secretary
  – Support effective and reflective branch development by creating an evaluation toolkit for officers”

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  Emergency Motion: End Hypocritical Attitudes to International Law
  
  PSC AGM believes:

  1/ The Russian invasion of Ukraine should rightly be condemned as a breach of international law . We send solidarity to Ukrainians under attack The response of ‘Western’ countries to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, including rapid and widespread boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) measures, clearly demonstrates they have no objection in principle to taking concerted action if international law is breached, but apparently only in certain cases.

  2/ The extensive and concerted actions taken against Russia stand in total contrast to the shameful failure of the international community to hold Israel to account for its many, serial, and ongoing breaches of international law, which include illegal military attacks, invasions, occupation, annexation, and ethnic cleansing, going back multiple decades.

  3/ That as the Boycott National Committee has said, this hypocrisy “..sends a clearly racist message to Palestinians, Yemenis, Iraqis, Afghanis and many others, that our lives and rights as people of colour do not count”, but in addition “effectively demolish almost all the anti-BDS excuses propagated by Israel and its anti-Palestinian apologists in the West against us over 17 years to thwart our calls for accountability and justice.”
  https://bdsmovement.net/hypocrisy

  4/ That the lives and human rights of Palestinians are no less important than those of Ukrainians or any other peoples, and no state / ideology in the world should favour the human rights of some at the expense, or the ignoring, of others.

  5/ That adherence to robust international and humanitarian law is one of the world’s best protections, albeit imperfect, against the tyranny of ‘Might is Right’, and must surely apply to all, or else it applies to none.

  6/ That BDS is an effective and legitimate tool to address breaches of international law and violations of human rights

  PSC AGM condemns:
  1/ The fact that many countries actively promoting BDS measures with regards to Russia, have in contrast totally opposed targeted BDS measures with regards to Israel, with Governmental attempts (often questionable in law and some successfully challenged) even being made to criminalise calls for such actions.

  2/ The hypocrisy and failure of the international community, in particular the USA as the most powerful country, and its ‘allies’ such as the UK, to adhere to international law themselves, and to fail to hold Israel to account for its crimes.

  PSC AGM demands:
  That the Palestinian call for BDS measures against Israel be supported and acted upon fully by the international community, without further delay.

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  Executive Committee Officer and Ordinary Members 2022 

  Chair

  Kamel Hawwash
  The Palestinians faced an escalation of oppression in 2021 and looked to PSC, as a key solidarity organisation, to mobilise support for their struggle. PSC rose to that challenge. We mobilised major demonstrations in May and further developed our campaigning. We grew our membership and added more staff to advance our work. I was proud to be a part of PSC’s efforts and if elected again as Chair, I will do everything I can to help PSC grow our campaigning in support of the Palestinians in their legitimate struggle to attain freedom, justice, and equality.

  Proposer: Chris Kamis
  Seconder: Martin Sullivan

  Vice-Chair

  Louise Regan
  I am the current Vice Chair of PSC, the chair of Nottingham PSC branch and a NEU national officer. I have been centrally involved in organising demonstrations, meetings, campaigns and fundraisers for Palestine in Nottingham. I have also attended and spoken at national rallies and events. I have led a number of trade union delegations to Palestine. I have been active in the child prisoners campaign speaking at meetings and organising trade union events. I am absolutely committed to campaigning for justice for the Palestinian people, particularly building the BDS campaign through the trade union movement and civil society.

  Proposer: Bernard Regan
  Seconder: Angie Mindel

  Secretary

  Ben Soffa
  I’m seeking re-election as Secretary to continue building PSC’s strength and impact. We must expose the apartheid reality Israel has created, reaching beyond our existing base to translate sympathy into effective action. This requires a broad, outward-facing campaign which keeps its focus on challenging the Israeli state’s racism and its continued denial of rights. I bring years of campaigning experience but also professional skills which help PSC develop – from writing the software that powers our online actions to designing our join/donate platform that delivers so much of our income, I wish to continue serving our movement.

  Proposer: Kamel Hawwash
  Seconder: John Ellis

  Treasurer

  John Ellis
  I am a chartered accountant who has worked primarily with the not-for-profit sector for over forty years. I was Treasurer for Rock Against Racism and am currently director of a charity that uses photography to highlight identity, representation, human rights & social justice. This involvement has made me aware of the difficulties experienced by voluntary organisations, particularly in the current financial and political climate. I have worked with PSC for many years and feel passionately about the injustice suffered by the Palestinian people and would be honoured if re-elected Treasurer.

  Proposer: Kamel Hawwash
  Seconder: Ben Soffa

  Trade Union Liaison Officer

  Simon Dubbins
  I am the Director of International for Unite the Union and been an active member of PSC for many years. For the last twelve months I have served as PSC’s Trade Union Officer been a member of the PSC Executive. My union has a proud record of active solidarity work with the Palestinians and in my role as Trade Union Officer I have sought to further strengthen and develop real solidarity throughout the wider trade union movement. With your support I would like to continue working towards this goal in the coming year.

  Proposer: Mark Beacon
  Seconder: Kamel Hawwash

  Ordinary Members (8 Places)

  Iyas Al Qasem
  I chair Kingston & Richmond PSC, and am lucky to work with an active and dedicated committee. Last year, it was my privilege to chair the group assigned to take the AGM online. This year, I had a similar privilege chairing the working group to redraft the PSC constitution. My fortunate knack seems to be that I can support great people to work together to do challenging things. At work, I help company leaders implement values-led strategies, and in my spare time, run a small charity supporting Palestinian children in refugee camps or under occupation. I am Palestinian from Nablus.

  Proposer: Salim Alam
  Seconder: Sorcha Thomson

  Sybil Cock
  I have been an energetic member of the EC, and a PSC volunteer, for several years and feel I have more to contribute. My priorities are local campaigning with my branch in East London and pushing the Israeli Apartheid narrative in as many arenas as possible. It is important that PSC is guided by the voices of activists on the ground, and that we also give full support to our excellent staff. I have helped to set p new branches. In the next year I hope again to facilitate visits of Trades Unionists to Palestine, and visiting speakers, especially women.

  Proposer: Miriam Scharf
  Seconder: Guy Shennan

  Ed McNally
  I’m standing for re-election to help make PSC even bigger and stronger in 2022. It’s been a privilege to serve on the EC during an important year of growth for PSC. I’ve consulted on the development of our political strategy and trade union liaison work, assisted with youth & student organising, and been proudly involved in coordinating speakers for the massive demos.

  Proposer: Kamel Hawwash
  Seconder: Averil Parkinson

  Bernard Regan
  Current PSC Executive Committee Member. Enfield Branch. Activist for 40 years. Former PSC Trade Union Liaison Officer. I have spoken on webinars and in schools, universities, Labour Party, and trade unions. Author ‘The Balfour Declaration’ (Verso). I wrote the groundbreaking 2006 TUC motion on Palestine. I have worked to build a broad-based inclusive campaign, like the Anti-Apartheid Movement, to end British government complicity in the oppression of the Palestinians. I would like the Branch Forum to be used to exchange ideas and information on
  how to reach out to wider groups like Black Lives Matter and Climate Change activists.

  Proposer: Kamel Hawwash
  Seconder: Louise Regan

  Neha Shah
  I’m seeking re-election to the EC to continue building PSC’s impact and strength. I bring campaigning experience as a committed member of Oxford PSC, PSC’s Youth and Student committee and as an NEU activist. I am also an experienced anti-racist and migrant justice organiser.

  Proposer: Iyas Al Qasem
  Seconder: Pam Parsons

  Julia Simpkins
  As a member of Manchester PSC and have been active locally in the action to close the Elbit factory in Oldham. In May we held the largest demonstration ever seen in Bolton town square during the increased bombing of Gaza. I visited Palestine with two NEU delegations and several times alone to bring a group of Palestinian children to Bolton. I have addressed many groups around the country on the situation in Palestine. I am the vice chair of the NEU’s International Solidarity Officers forum. I seek re-election and want to continue working to support the people of Palestine.

  Proposer: Eileen Murphy
  Seconder: Sue Piper

  Alex Snowden
  As Chair of Newcastle PSC since 2009, I have been centrally involved in organising many demonstrations, conferences, fundraisers, campaigns and public meetings for Palestine in north-east England. This includes important marches and rallies in Newcastle last May. I have a long record of organising in Stop the War Coalition and am international solidarity officer in my National Education Union branch. I am a current PSC Executive Committee member, committed to helping PSC become
  the mass anti-apartheid movement we need. Top priorities include a sustained focus on BDS campaigns, popularising the apartheid narrative and building alliances, especially with trade unions.

  Proposer: Louise Regan
  Seconder: Sybil Cock

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