Doug Nicholls, General Secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions wrote to the HDP expressing the support and solidarity of his union.

Nicholls said: “We have enjoyed the company and contributions to our conferences of HDP members and Parliamentarians who we have invited to inform us of developments in Turkey. Your representatives have shared the truth about what is happening in Turkey with us and we are very grateful for that. We know that the HDP is a party of peace loving democrats and the third largest political party in the Turkish Parliament and that you represent wide interests of people with social and humane aspirations.” 

Nicholls added: “We therefore cannot believe that attempts are now being made to ban your party on top of all the harassment and unfair treatment that you have already faced. We oppose the attempted banning of your party and all harassment of all those who oppose the iniquities of the current regime and its inhumanity. We will make our views known and encourage others to as well.” 

Nicholls continued: “This is an issue of international significance and we all know that the banning of political parties and the crushing of democracy has very terrible historic parallels.” 

The General Federation of Trade Unions represents 26 national trade unions throughout Britain, with some also based overseas.