CITY OF PRESTON LABOUR PARTY

Over two hundred people in Preston came out to protest against Israel's actions against an aid convoy. Israel's lethal actions have provoked worldwide condemnation and highlighted to the world the plight of those in Gaza.  People from across different communities and backgrounds united in Preston city centre to voice their concern.

There were several speakers at the event, which was well attended despite being organised only earlier that day.  Mark Hendrick MP was unable to attend as he was in London at the time, but he sent a message that was read out to the crowd in Preston.

'On the third anniversary of the siege of Gaza it is pertinent to remember the many people in that part of Palestine are still suffering immense hardship. They do not have access to basic food, medicines, and building materials which we in the West always take for granted.

The siege of Gaza is just one of many of a long line of injustices perpetrated against the Palestinian people since British rule ceased in the late 1940s.

It is a stain on the reputation of the international community that this situation could have been allowed to happen under the noses of the United Nations and the Quartet, who are supposed to be facilitating a peaceful settlement of the Middle East crisis.

On behalf of the people of Preston I shall be writing to the foreign secretary, William Hague, expressing my concerns about how this situation is being allowed to continue, as well as my bewilderment about ineffective actions by successive UK governments since 1948, in not having determination and resolve for the formation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.'

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