THE University and College Union (UCU) will support lecturers refusing to undertake contracted duties which risk complicity in Israeli war crimes.

The proposal was among a raft of motions in support of Palestine carried at the union’s annual conference in Bournemouth this week.

UCU will also endorse the grassroots network University & College Workers for Palestine, co-ordinate walkouts against Israel’s genocide and oppose moves by the Tory government to legally restrict shows of solidarity with Palestine, such as legislation banning Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaigns.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said today: “I’m proud that congress has reaffirmed UCU’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“Our members and their students are leading the country in protesting against the war in Gaza.

“The union is united in our stand for peace, and against colonialism and apartheid.”

The union is to also lobby the government to establish a Palestinian family scheme with a protected right of return.