Prospect stands in solidarity with journalists in Gaza and worldwide at TUC Congress

Prospect has backed a National Union of Journalists motion at this year’s TUC Congress condemning the killing of journalists in Gaza and highlighting the crucial role of journalists working in war zones.

Seconding motion 72 on behalf of Prospect, Alice Black, Prospect NEC Deputy Vice-President and co-chair of the Scottish Live Events branch in the Bectu sector, said the union “unequivocally condemns” the violence and starvation being inflicted on innocent civilians in Gaza and paid tribute to journalists risking their lives to report from Gaza.

She noted that at least 122 media professionals were killed in 2024, according to the International Federation of Journalists, and stressed the need for continued solidarity with reporters in Gaza, Ukraine, Iran and beyond — as well as with women journalists working under oppressive regimes.

Alice also underlined that Bectu sector members, who work alongside journalists in broadcasting and production, often face harassment and threats simply for doing their jobs. She praised tools like the NUJ’s Journalists’ Safety Tracker in holding abuse to account.

Prospect endorsed the motion’s proposal for a UN convention on the safety and independence of journalists, developed by the IFJ and backed by the NUJ, affirming that “the first casualty of war is often the truth – and it is only because of brave journalists that crimes cannot be covered up.”