My Letter to Ed Davey MP

I am by way of this letter inviting you to visit Rochdale to speak to our community regarding the action that is being taken by the Liberal Democrats in response to the devastating conflict in Gaza.

Here in Rochdale, we have a large Muslim community that has shown its despair, anger and confusion regarding the recent events which have unfolded in the Middle-east.

I was very pleased to see both yours and Nick Clegg MP's response to crises. Gordon Brown and the Labour Government have refused to condemn Israel for far too long. Since 1997, this Government has continued to equip Israel with the means to carry out these atrocious attacks and I back your call for this government to immediately stop the selling this key equipment to Israel.

The extent and nature of Israel's military assault on Hamas has been greatly disproportionate and self defeating. At my time of writing, it is my worst fears that we are about to witness an all-out Israeli attack on Gaza that will see troops and missiles being sent into Gaza's populated centres.

It is vital that we encourage all sides to reject violence and resume negotiations to reach a permanent solution to this most painful of conflicts. It is necessary to establish a viable and independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders alongside a secure Israel. I believe this is in Israel's long term interests as well as the millions of Palestinians who have a right to a statehood and independence.

I appreciate your diary will be busy, so if a visit is not possible I would be happy to meet with you in London, or to discuss via a telephone call. I hope you appreciate that many Muslims and non-Muslims within our community in Rochdale have deep concerns about the recent conflict in Gaza and would very much appreciate your time.

Together we can show the Government just how strongly Rochdalians feel about this issue.

Yours sincerely,

Councillor Zulf Ali