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05/05/2006
Lib Dem MEP quits role
Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies has resigned from his role as the party's leader in Europe in a row over offensive remarks made to a Jewish constituent.
The North West MEP become embroiled in the row when he made remarks referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict claiming that Jews "did not care that they themselves had become oppressors".
The constituent sent an e-mail to Mr Davies disagreeing with his views stating: "You make the same mistake as many others who call themselves liberals. You seem to equate the situation of the Palestinian people as being exactly the same as the Jewish victims of the Holocaust."
According to the Jewish News, the MEP responded with an email which said: "Sounds like racism to me. I hope you enjoy wallowing in your own filth."
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Davies said: "I have resigned today as leader of the British Liberal Democrat MEPs. I apologise for the language and tone of my email, which was unacceptable and without justification.
I should never have used the words I did in the email. I have written to the lady concerned apologising."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said: "Chris Davies has rightly made a full apology for his remarks. I discussed this matter with him today, when we agreed that the proper course for him now is to resign as leader of the Liberal Democrats MEPs. What he said was unacceptable and he recognises that unreservedly.
"Chris Davies has made a very considerable contribution to our party over a long period and I am sorry that it has become necessary for him to resign his leadership. I deeply regret the offence his remarks have caused to the Jewish community."
(KMcA)
The North West MEP become embroiled in the row when he made remarks referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict claiming that Jews "did not care that they themselves had become oppressors".
The constituent sent an e-mail to Mr Davies disagreeing with his views stating: "You make the same mistake as many others who call themselves liberals. You seem to equate the situation of the Palestinian people as being exactly the same as the Jewish victims of the Holocaust."
According to the Jewish News, the MEP responded with an email which said: "Sounds like racism to me. I hope you enjoy wallowing in your own filth."
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Davies said: "I have resigned today as leader of the British Liberal Democrat MEPs. I apologise for the language and tone of my email, which was unacceptable and without justification.
I should never have used the words I did in the email. I have written to the lady concerned apologising."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said: "Chris Davies has rightly made a full apology for his remarks. I discussed this matter with him today, when we agreed that the proper course for him now is to resign as leader of the Liberal Democrats MEPs. What he said was unacceptable and he recognises that unreservedly.
"Chris Davies has made a very considerable contribution to our party over a long period and I am sorry that it has become necessary for him to resign his leadership. I deeply regret the offence his remarks have caused to the Jewish community."
(KMcA)
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