TRADE unionists gathered in London over the weekend to call for solidarity with workers in Turkey amid an increasing government crackdown against democracy and freedoms.

Speakers at the annual Solidarity with the People of Turkey (SPOT) conference, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, called for stronger international support with campaigners and against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “one-man regime.”

Mr Corbyn pointed to Turkey’s record of human rights abuses and political repressions of opposition figures as well as attacks on journalists, trade unions and academics.

He said trade unionists in Britain have the power to show solidarity with Ozak Textile workers in Urfa, who have been striking for their right to join a union of their choice since November, acknowledging that attacks on trade union rights in Turkey are “nothing new.”

The Peace and Justice Project said: “The political repression in Turkey is extremely serious.

“The number of members of parliament that are under attack, the number of university lecturers that have been removed from office and the number of education staff sacked [is huge].

“We in the labour movement here are constantly active, with all the actions taking place over the past year … showing our strength.

“And that is what can be offered to the workers standing up for peace, justice and human rights in Turkey.”

Speakers at the event also included Baroness Christine Blower, MPs, journalists and academics from Turkey and trade union representatives in Britain.

Baroness Blower said it was vital for internationalists to oppose those who attempt to benefit from exploitations across the world, such as clothing company Levis which the Ozak workers manufacture products for.

University and College Union president Justine Mercer also spoke about the ongoing victimisation and arrests of teachers in Turkey.