Here is the text of a model motion for trade union branches who wish to back Media Workers Against the War.
This Branch notes:
1. The deaths of 171 (as of February 2007) journalists and media support staff since the current invasion of Iraq.
2.The inquest result into the death of Terry Lloyd, the ITV journalist who declined to be imbedded, which found that he was killed by American troops.
3. The NUJ’s campaign against identity cards and other restrictions on civil liberties and press freedom introduced under “anti-terror” legislation.
4. The sometimes blatant bias and unethical reporting of the “war on terror” in some sections of the main stream media.
This Branch acknowledges:
The work of Media Workers Against the War in rallying journalists and their non-editorial colleagues to defend accurate reporting and expose political pressure on journalists.
Recent Media Workers Against the War public meetings where speakers have included Jeremy Dear, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Gary Younge and Sami Ramadani, reflecting the growing concern about the wars in western Asia.
Media Workers Against the War plans to expand, forming a Scottish MWAW and a series of public meetings and addresses to union branches across the country.
This Branch believes:
That the “war on terror” has made journalists’ jobs more difficult and more dangerous at home and abroad.
Journalists should campaign to end the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.
That journalists encounter pressure from government over the reporting of the “war on terror” and should campaign for fair and balanced press coverage.
This Branch resolves:
To donate £. . . to Media Workers Against the War to help fund a website, public meetings, newsletter and campaign material.
