Turkey: TUC seeks assurances that MayDay protests will not be repressed

Rt Hon David Miliband MP

Secretary of State

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH

Dear David

May Day Celebrations in Istanbul 2009

I am writing to ask that you exert what influence you can to ensure that the violent attacks, made by Turkish police, on trade unionists celebrating May Day which occurred last year are not repeated in 2009. In particular that those celebrations held in Taksim Square in Istanbul are allowed to go ahead peacefully.

I would take this opportunity to reiterate that the TUC's supports the British Government's position that there would be great benefits for all if Turkey were to accede to the EU. Fundamentally however such an accession can only be achieved if the Turkish state is seen as respecting human rights. Assaults on workers peacefully celebrating May Day are both unacceptable and play into the hands of those within Europe who seemingly do not wish to see Turkish accession on any basis.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary