A motion proposed by South Yorkshire branch has instructed the union to take part in a fact-finding mission to Palestine/Israel with other trade unions.
Opposition
The National Executive Council (NEC) called on delegates to vote for an amendment which would have excluded the NUJ from the next trade union visit to the region.
“We want a freedom of action for our trade union that we’ve kept for 100 years and want to keep for another 100,” said one NEC member.
Other said they feared for the safety of their colleagues if they joined the delegation.
“I for one don’t want our colleagues to be put in danger just because want to nail our colours to the mast for the sake of our conscience,” said one NEC member.
Truth
But a number of speakers pressed home the importance of NUJ members taking part in the multi-union visit.
“The Middle East is not a football match where journalists can hold impartiality,” said David Crouch of the London Central Branch. “We must be on the side of those who suffer most.”
And another speaker added: “This is not about taking sides but taking a stand for the truth.”
Motion 146, which instructs the NEC to give assistance to journalists facing persecution in Sri Lanka and campaign against denial of basic rights, passed.
