“QUISLING” trade union organisations which back Israel “have no credibility,” a senior Unite figure told Saturday’s pro-Palestinian demo.

Union officials addressing crowds outside BBC headquarters and at Hyde Park warned that workers must go beyond passing motions in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Unite assistant chief of staff Adrian Weir said: “We have quisling organisations that claim to speak for the trade union movement, such as the Trade Union Friends of Israel.

“What could they say now? That trade unions support the bombing of children?

“Of course not. So they have remained silent. These organisations have no credibility,” he said.

He added trade union support for a boycott of Israel to be turned into “practical action in the workplace.”

Unite recently voted to uphold a policy of boycott, divestment and sanctions.

Unison international committee chair Jean Butcher paid tribute to health workers treating the population of the besieged city on behalf of Unison’s members in the health sector.

“Our motto in the trade union movement is this: together we are stronger,” she said.

“I know that motto has come to the fore in support of the people of Gaza.

“Our voices are starting to be heard as the momentum builds for international action. When a senior government minister resigns, when the secretary general of the UN speaks out so forcefully, you know the line’s been crossed.”

NUT activist Philippa Harvey said: “We will not defend the indefensible.

“The people of Gaza need more than our tears. They need action and support, they need justice.”