News from Sheffield Labour

Paul Blomfield calls on BBC to back down and broadcast Gaza Appeal

Paul Blomfield, Chair of Sheffield Labour Party and Parliamentary candidate for Sheffield Central, has called on the BBC to back down and broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.

In a letter to BBC Director General Mark Thompson, Mr Blomfield said:

“There is no justification for the BBC’s refusal to broadcast the appeal. Think again and act quickly to reverse this appalling decision. People across the country have been moved to action by the tragedy of Gaza. Your decision stands in the way of the urgent efforts by some of our leading charities to raise funds to help those who are suffering.”

Mr. Blomfield, who spoke at a rally held in Sheffield on Saturday calling for peace in the region, backed senior Government Ministers who have called for the BBC to reverse their decision:

“I’m pleased that Douglas Alexander, the International Development Secretary, has called on the BBC to broadcast the appeal. We need to use all means at our disposal to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. The BBC must recognise they have made a mistake and remedy it without delay.”

Speaking at Saturday’s rally, Mr. Blomfield called for aid to be followed by renewed efforts to secure a long term political solution. He expressed the hope that President Obama would change America’s approach to the region and press for action to secure an internationally recognised and secure state of Palestine, alongside an internationally recognised and secure state of Israel, so that “all the people of the region can live in peace and free from fear”.

More information from the DEC can be found here.

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• Angela Smith MP highlights economic problems faced by Barnsley - 7 February 2012