Labour MP ‘historically, factually and morally wrong’ to make Russia-Israel comparison
Julie Elliott scolded by Conservative MP Stephen Crabb after appearing to compare Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine to Israel's treatment of Palestinians
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Labour MP Julie Elliott was told she was “historically wrong, factually wrong and morally wrong” after attempting to compare Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine with Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.
Speaking during a Commons debate on recognition of Palestine, Elliott had said: “We watch today as a European country faces war and occupation, and we stand with Ukraine in opposing Russian aggression.
“My heart goes out to the Ukrainian people.
“We rightly talk about international law, and I listened to the Minister for Asia and the Middle East (Amanda Milling) speak only a few minutes ago about the vital importance of the sovereignty of states, but how must Palestinians feel when they hear that?
“They have endured 54 years of occupation, which in itself is an aggression.”
Conservative MP Stephen Crabb then intervened to describe her comparison as “historically wrong, factually wrong and morally wrong” during Thursday’s debate.
The Conservative Friends of Israel parliamentary chair added her words did “a huge disservice not just to the people of Ukraine but also to the people of Palestine and the people of Israel as well, who face a unique situation and set of challenges.”
Elliott responded saying:” However, I was talking about upholding international law, which the Minister for Asia and the Middle East talked about a few minutes ago, and it is as relevant to Ukraine as it is to Palestine.”
The Sunderland Central MP added:”What I was talking about was the upholding of international law which your own minister talked about a few minutes ago and the right of upholding international law is as relevant in Ukraine as it is in Palestine.”
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