UK Conservatives to press Amnesty for the release of Israeli captives

MKs to also raise matter with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

By JONNY PAUL
Gilad Shalit 298 88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Gilad Shalit 298 88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
A group of Conservative members of Parliament met here with the families of kidnapped IDF soldiers Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev last week to discuss how they can help in the campaign for the soldiers' release. The lawmakers committed themselves to "doing what they can in the UK to raise the matter," particularly with Amnesty International and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The British delegation, hosted by Conservative Friends of Israel, included shadow Attorney-General Dominic Grieve, shadow Home Affairs Minister Edward Garnier, shadow Minister for Police Reform Nick Herbert, shadow Deputy Leader of the House Shailesh Vara and Philip Davies, MP. The legislators heard about the steps being taken by the families to promote awareness of the soldiers' plight and to pressure their captors in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip to provide information on their well-being and to release them. Grieve said: "As a father of sons, I can well understand both the anguish and determination of the parents and relatives to leave no stone unturned to try to secure their safe release. While we may only be able to play a small part, it is important that voices should be raised collectively."