Thank Labour's National Executive for ditching G4S

I am writing to personally thank you for the Labour National Executive’s decision to stop using G4S for your annual conference security. This decision sends a clear message: the Labour Party acts ethically and responsibly.
Labour's decision tells G4S loud and clear that decent people won’t stand for their involvement in Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land, their connection to global violence, or their involvement in other dodgy deals in the UK, in South Africa and around the world. Lets not forget that last year G4S were forced to pay a refund of £109 million to the British government for charging for tagging prisoners who didn’t exist.
This is a step in the direction of truly respecting human rights in all that we do politically. This decision is a challenge not just to G4S, but to all businesses. If you turn a blind eye to violations of human rights purely to make a profit, you’ll lose business. Responsible companies are successful businesses.
Concern about G4S is widespread. Recently the UK National Contact Point (NCP), responsible for implementing the OECD guidelines found that the G4S is failing to address human rights violations with which they are involved through their business relationship with Israeli state agencies. (see Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights for more information).
The Labour party joins the Gates Foundation and the US United Methodist Church, (the largest protestant church in the US) in not working with G4S on ethical grounds. We know you will face criticism from a small but vocal minority for this decision. Instead of seeing G4S for the unethical, dangerous company that it is, they’ve seen this as an attack on Israel. This is not an attack on anyone, it’s people taking a stand for human rights. You are right to proudly support this decision.
 The Labour Party has recognised that G4S’ role in the Israeli occupation of Palestine completely contradicts the values of social justice, fairness and equality at the very heart of the labour movement. Where’s the social justice in the administrative detention and torture of Palestinians? Where’s the fairness in arresting children in the middle of the night? Your decision is a brave one and an ethical one. Around the world people are standing up to challenge companies like G4S. They are making the case for justice over profit, and challenging their leaders to do the same. The Labour Party has acted for an ethical, responsible and fair politics.  Thank you - you can be proud of your decision.

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Thank Labour for ditching G4S