80s38. National Convention for Sanctions

In 1986 Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher blocked the imposition of effective sanctions by the Commonwealth and the British government voted against sanctions in the UN Security Council. The AAM tried to reinvigorate the campaign by calling for ‘people’s sanctions’. The National Convention for Sanctions held on 27 June was billed as ‘a people’s Parliament against apartheid’. It was attended by delegates from over 250 organisations, including national trade unions, local councils and 61 local anti-apartheid groups. The emphasis was on local action. The groups contributed to an exhibition on ‘People’s Action Against Apartheid’.