Preston Stop the War believe that Lancashire County Council has grossly over-reacted in this particular instance.  Lancashire County Council must
realise that the Palestinian issue is not just an issue for the Middle East, but touches the lives of many across the world, particularly the Muslim community.  It would be setting a very dangerous precedent if it feels that disciplinary action and possible dismissal is its preferred course of action in this particular instance.

Preston Stop the War would urge Lancashire County Council to reconsider its current position and stop all current disciplinary action.

Statements:

Tony Benn (Former MP and President of the National Stop the War Coalition)

I do not know the full details of the case, but to dismiss people for receiving or sending their opinions on any subject would be a denial of freedom of speech.  In a democracy these are the values we are supposed to be defending.

Councillor Michael Lavalette (Preston City Council):

“I am absolutely amazed that LCC have decided to take such a heavy-handed approach.  This appears to be a politically motivated decision rather than a moral one, particularly with the Government’s current drive for dealing with perceived ‘extremism’.  Discussions and communications in relation to current topical issues such as Palestine are unavoidable.”

Barrie Levine (Chair of Jews for a Just Peace)

“Since Israel’s war on the people of Gaza there has been justifiable
concern about the degree of force used against the civilian population, including allegations of war crimes. This has led to a wave of anger internationally and widespread internet traffic exposing the actions of Israel’s forces. Some of the material circulating on the internet makes mistaken parallels with the actions of Nazi Germany against the Jews. Whilst some of this material is crass, it would be wrong to equate this with anti-semitism. There are thousands of Jews worldwide who are equally concerned with Israel’s actions. As a supporter of Jews for Justice for Palestinians I would oppose the criminalisation of people reading such material on the internet.”

Maulana Elyas (Imam of Mahadus Shuhuda Mosque, Deepdale Road)

Islam teaches that all employees behave fairly and justly in their employment.  However, the employer also needs to be fair and just with its employees.  I am sure that a simple word in their ear would have done the trick, rather than resorting to suspensions and possible dismissals.

Ismail Timol (Children of the Ghetto)

In January we organised some of the biggest demonstrations seen in Preston
and they were over the issue of Israel’s assault on Gaza.  The United Nations are now investigating crimes against humanity.  It is only right that people can discuss these horrors.