Kim Howells in February, enjoying himself in the company of Colombian death squads

UNISON, the UK's largest public service union, has today condemned comments made by Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells and called on him to withdraw them immediately or consider his position.

Allegations made by Kim Howells that the trade union backed organisation 'Justice for Colombia (JFC)' supports the FARC guerrilla group, has endangered the lives of Colombian trade unionists and human rights campaigners supported by JFC and the British trade union movement.

UNISON Deputy General Secretary Keith Sonnet said:

"UNISON is shocked and appalled at the dangerous comments made by Kim Howells. He should be aware of the consequences that his remarks can cause and should withdraw them immediately, or consider his position.

"It is completely unacceptable that a UK Minister should be resorting to such dangerous tactics, instead of engaging in a serious debate over concerns about UK policy in Colombia. UNISON has a longstanding relationship with JFC, and many members have participated in delegations to Colombia organised by them. These unfounded comments put the lives of those participating in future delegations at risk."

Kim Howells is facing criticism after he appeared in photos in the Guardian and Western Mail, standing with soldiers from a military unit, which is alleged to have murdered trade unionists. He also features in another where he appears to be sharing a joke with General Montoya, Commander of Colombian National Army. This is the man who was named last year in a US House of Representatives report as having allegedly "collaborated extensively with militias that the Department of State considers terrorists organisations".

JFC and the UK trade union movement have called on the UK government to stop giving military aid to the Colombian government until they begin to respect human rights and stop colluding with death squads to murder trade unionists.

Kim Howells appears to be imitating the Colombian Government, which uses intimidation to silence its critics, instead of responding to legitimate concerns about the human rights crisis in Colombia