Chris's speech at the vigil can be viewed here (his contribution starts at 15:25): https://fb.watch/nE_THPlJ8F/
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I stand here aghast at the horror that has been inflicted on the people of Israel. I have worked in Israel and holidayed in Israel. It is a beautiful country – her landscape and her people. In so many ways, Israel feels to be a most European of countries yet her history is more ancient and troubled.
Israel receiving a mandate for her current form both from the League of Nations and the United Nations – something that no other country has had. But from the foundation of the modern nation Israel has always been besieged. A loss in the conflicts of 1948, 1967 or 1973 would have seen the total destruction of Israel – no negotiation.
Because Israel, understanding the existential threat, has become strong, some have sought peace but others have found new ways to wage war.
When Jordan, Egypt and others signed peace treaties, the infrastructure of terror was built and funded by the enemies of this democratic nation. Iran has never ceased fomenting strife and their leadership has continue to inflict cruelties on her own people just as they wage asymmetric war against Israel.
As Saudi Arabia, home to the holy places of Mecca and Medina, a country whose constitution is the Koran, was in the closing stages of signing a peace treaty with Israel, Iran had to stop it – stop peace.
Over a thousand cruelly slain in Israel. A single minded targeting of civilians – men and women, the elderly, children and babies.
They broadcast the murder of innocents – through their mobile phones, through their social media – to the family members of the victims.
Israel caught at unawares is reacting in the only way a civilised country can – that is, to do all required to prevent this ever happening again.
There is global condemnation of Hamas – a proscribed terrorist organisation. Alas, there is also global celebration of their terrorism. From the streets of London to the shadow of Sidney Opera House, knowing of the beheading of babies, there has been a party and the song we hear is “gas the Jews”.
British academics have taken to social media to say “from the river to the sea Palestine will be free”. These professors and doctors know that they are speaking of the annihilation of the people of Israel much as some would claim it merely to be the breaking down of international borders to almost create a global commune. Ignorant people could be deceived into believing that they want to re-imagine modern version of a kibbutz, perhaps?
When the flag of Israel was torn down from Sheffield Town Hall and chants of “river to the sea” resounded in the square, we know it wasn’t to demand an end to nations and the beginning of peaceful co-existence.
For all the failings of social media – and haven’t a great many revealed their true selves in recent days – there is no excuse for our mainstream broadcast media. The BBC still refers to Hamas terrorists – members of an organisation proscribed by the British Government – as fighters or militants.
To many, there is no difference between fighter and freedom fighter. The BBC knows this and chooses to blur the lines.
There is no peace in the Middle East there is no peace for you. Every time conflict rises there, you, here in Manchester, suffer too.
I am grateful to the police and the Community Security Trust for keeping us safe tonight but this isn’t ending anytime soon.
I can wish you peace, solidarity and, as a Member of Parliament, to do all I can to end this cycle of violence.
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The italicised parts of Chris' speech were cut out due to time constraints.
