A Peterborough councillor who appeared to criticise Labour members’ support for Palestine at the Conservative Party conference this week has insisted that she supports the Palestinians and has apologised for any “misunderstanding.”
Shazia Bashir told Conservative delegates in Birmingham: “Recently in the media I’ve been watching the Labour conference and them raising the flag of Palestine. Jeremy Corbyn, you can’t pour from an empty jug. Charity begins at home.”
Bashir was referring to the huge support for Palestine at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool last week which included a large number of Palestinian flags being flown in the conference hall.
But later Bashir issued a statement on Facebook explaining that she supports Palestine but feels the issue is being used for political purposes.
In the statement on Facebook, Bashir said: “First of all I’m a Muslim, my pain and love for oppressed Muslims and countries as Palestine, Kashmir, Burma, Syria is the same as my fellow brothers and sisters.
“My point was that the Palestinian cause is a very serious issue where men women and children are being displaced and killed every day by the Israelis. I object to this issue being used for electioneering and political gain purposes. Empty words of support and gestures are nothing more than paying lip service to a cause that deserves our wholehearted support and action.
“Under the last Labour government we did not see the Palestinian issue as being an important part of their foreign policy and even now we have not seen a robust policy brought forward by the Labour Party and so I object to these empty and meaningless gestures designed to win sympathy from Muslim voters.
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“Secondly I am a local councillor for the Conservatives. As a member of the party I defended my party as I feel the opposition use the Palestinian cause for political gain. Charity comes in all forms.
“We are all aware that most UK Political Parties policies for Muslims are similar. Palestinian Cause is sensitive and should not be used by anyone for any personal gain.
“I have always supported the Palestinian cause and will continue to do so but not for political gain. However, I sincerely apologise if anyone felt offended due to misunderstanding.”
