Following discussions with Baroness Tonge, it appears that her words have been taken out of context by some members of her party and imbued with double meaning where none was intended.

In a statement made to the Jewish Chronicle newspaper, Baroness Tonge praised the work of the IDF in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti and in response to the allegations suggested that in order to prevent such damaging allegations being made any further (in the interests of the IDF), an independent investigation should be establish “to clear the names of the team in Haiti.” Such an investigation would ensure that false and adverse reports such as these would be brought to an end.

Ismail Patel, Chair of Friends of Al-Aqsa, stated: “Under Nick Clegg’s leadership the Liberal Democrats have shown a great deal of balance on the Israel-Palestine issue, and Jenny Tonge has played a key role as a result of her humanitarian concerns.”

Baroness Tonge is a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause and we encourage everyone to write to the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg MP and commend him on his usual balanced approach to the Palestine/Israel issue, and request that he allow Baroness Tonge a fair hearing and re-instate her position in the House of Lords.

Contact details
Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA

Tel: 0207 219 2371
Fax: 0207 219 0054

Click here to email via the web

Or email : cleggn@parliament.uk

Please circulate this alert widely.