Lib Dem MP cleared after Israel rocket attack tweet
A LIBERAL Democrat who suggested he could justify firing rockets from Gaza into Israel has welcomed news he will not face party disciplinary measures.
Bradford East MP David Ward has been cleared of “anti-Semitic intentions” by Lib Dem chief whip Don Foster following a party investigation into comments made on social media site Twitter.
Mr Ward told The Yorkshire Post: “This has been looked at very closely by the chief whip, and I’m delighted he has come to this conclusion.
“The situation in Gaza is very difficult, it is a very controversial situation, I know everyone has a view on it but I’m happy that the chief whip has taken this decision, particularly in light of the anti-Semitic slurs which were made against me.
“I appreciate what is happening in Gaza is a controversial subject, and that people are generally either on one side or another, but sometimes comments deemed to be just critical by one side are regarded as unacceptable by the other.”
Mr Foster said no further ac- tion would be taken after Mr Ward apologised for any offence.
In a statement, Mr Foster said: “In light of that apology, the assurance by David Ward that he would do all he could to ensure comments he made would be in a form that would be difficult to
I am conscious
that this decision will not satisfy some people Don Foster, Liberal Democrat chief whip
misinterpret, and that he will continue - in relation to the Israeli/Palestinian situation - to condemn violence on both sides and support moves for a cease fire, I do not intend to take further action in relation to the tweet.
“I am conscious that this decision will not satisfy some people. To them I would say, at a time of considerable international unease in the Middle East, comments have been made by politicians from all parties that have been unwelcome by some or other section of society.”
The decision comes as a Belfast council comes under pressure to cancel an “irresponsible” speaking engagement for George Galloway amid heightened tensions over the Gaza conflict.
West Yorkshire Police are investigating comments by the Bradford West MP urging people to reject all Israeli goods, services, academics and tourists.
Democratic Unionist councillor Brian Kingston said: “We have grave concerns about the council providing a venue for this speaker at this time of heightened tension.”