Police probe Galloway’s ‘Israel-free zone’ speech

Police have begun an investigation after Respect MP George Galloway declared that Bradford is “an Israel-free zone”.

In a speech which has caused an outcry on social media, the veteran politician states Israelis are not welcome in the city where he has a constituency.

West Yorkshire Police said it was investigating his comments.

A force spokesman said: “We have received two separate complaints about comments attributed to George Galloway MP during a speech he gave at a public meeting in Leeds on August 2. We are currently investigating the complaints.”

In one part of his speech which can be seen online, Mr Galloway said: “We have declared Bradford an Israel-free zone.

“We don’t want any Israeli goods. We don’t want any Israeli services.

“We don’t want any Israeli academics coming to the university or college.

“We don’t even want any Israeli tourists to come to Bradford even if any of them had thought of doing so.

“We reject this illegal, barbarous, savage state that calls itself Israel. And you have to do the same.”

Mr Galloway was filmed in front of the Palestinian flag.