Video: Galloway probed over ‘Israel-free zone’ call

POLICE are investigating complaints made about a speech given by Bradford MP George Galloway in which he declared that the city has been made an “Israel free zone.” Galloway probed over ‘Israel-free zone’ call
Bradford West MP George GallowayBradford West MP George Galloway
Bradford West MP George Galloway

The controversial remarks have also been condemned by Bradford Council’s leader Dave Green who said that the Respect MP did not speak for the city.

In a film recorded in Leeds, he said: “We have declared Bradford an Israel free zone.

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

Bradford West MP George GallowayBradford West MP George Galloway
Bradford West MP George Galloway

“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 if any of them had thought of doing so. We reject this illegal, barbarous, savage state that calls itself Israel.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “We have received two separate complaints about comments attributed to [Mr Galloway]... We are currently investigating the complaints.”

Coun Green said: “George Galloway may be a member of parliament, but he does not speak for Bradford.

“He can only speak for himself and his party.”

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Lib Dem Bradford East MP David Ward, who was heavily criticised for comments he made about the situation last month, said “of course” Israelis were welcome in Bradford. Of Mr Galloway’s comments, he said: “It is quite dangerous talk... the danger is of course that anybody from a Jewish background – because people will not necessarily differentiate – is then subject to abuse and anti-Semitic acts.”