British MP escapes prosecution for controversial remarks made during Gaza operation

George Galloway declared his constituency an "Israeli free zone" to protest Israel's offensive.

By JERRY LEWIS
BRITISH MP George Galloway, heavily bruised, is shown after he was assaulted on a West London street on Friday (photo credit: TWITTER)
BRITISH MP George Galloway, heavily bruised, is shown after he was assaulted on a West London street on Friday
(photo credit: TWITTER)
LONDON – George Galloway, the controversial Respect party MP who during the Gaza conflict declared his constituency city, Bradford, an “Israeli free zone” in protest at Israel’s action to halt Hamas rocket and missile attacks, will not be prosecuted for his comments.
West Yorkshire Police was called to investigate if his comments made during a speech in front of a Palestinian flag in the nearby city of Leeds were actionable, after numerous complaints were registered at his incendiary comments.
Leeds district commander, Chief Superintendent Paul Money said a full investigation had been carried out, which included Mr Galloway being voluntarily interviewed under caution.
“A file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice on whether any offenses had been committed – and they have now concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support any charges.”
Reacting to the news Galloway said it had been an extremely expensive waste of police and CPS time forced on the police by “ultra-Zionists who were pursuing a vendetta against me.”
He added, “My comments were aimed at the State of Israel, which – I repeat what I said at the time – is an illegal, savage and barbarous state, and had nothing whatever to do with race or religion.”
And showing not the slightest remorse he made clear he still holds the same views. “I take back not a word and I will continue to forcefully condemn Israel. It remains the case that there is a worldwide boycott of Israel, its goods, its services, its academics. I hope the citizens of Bradford will join me in refusing to treat with the advocates of this hateful and oppressive regime and truly make Bradford an Israel-free zone.”