MEP hits out at BBC and Sky refusal to run Gaza aid appeal

5.21.12pm GMT Mon 26th Jan 2009

Liberal Democrat Euro- MP Liz Lynne has today expressed her anger at BBC and Sky for refusing to run an appeal by the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) for urgent help to the aid operation in the Gaza Strip.

The appeal by the DEC, which represents 13 major charities, comes after the three week incursion into Gaza by the Israeli army in response to rocket attacks by extremist members of Hamas on Southern Israel. The conflict claimed the lives of over 1000 people, half of them innocent men, women and children and has left thousands more homeless and without vital supplies.

However, both the BBC and Sky News have said that they will not run the appeal, because of fears it will appear they are taking sides in the conflict.

Speaking today, Liz Lynne, who is a member of the European Parliament's Sub- Committee on Human Rights and a long time critic of Israel's blockade of Gaza, said:

"The decision by the BBC and Sky beggars belief. The idea that people cannot distinguish between news content and a charity appeal for people in desperate need of help is ludicrous.

"The Israeli attack on Gaza has already cost the lives of over 1000 people, appeals like this may help to stop the death toll rising. I believe people understand that this appeal is not about the conflict itself but the humanitarian cost of the fighting.

"The fact is the people of Gaza need our help. The more broadcasters who show the DEC appeal, the more people will contribute. The actions of the BBC and Sky do a disservice to the people of Gaza and are an insult to the intelligence of the British public."