Workers Aid Convoy Launched

Galloway plans aid convoy for Gaza

Published Date: 26 January 2009

Bethnal Green and Bow MP George Galloway has said he is "determined" to take 100 vehicles loaded with aid from London to the Palestinian territory to help those affected by the recent conflict.
Speaking at the Gaza Conference in Rochdale, Mr Galloway, who is also vice-president of the Stop the War Coalition, said: "I am here to gather support for the convoy.

"There is an urgent need to get aid to the Palestinian people. The convoy will a
lso demonstrate that Britain is not Gordon Brown, it's not the BBC, but to show that, I believe, millions of people care deeply.

"It is an emergency and we have to react in a suitably urgent way and that is what we are doing."

Mr Galloway said that the convoy so far included 24 trucks, six ambulances and one fire engine.

He said: "No-one will send a vehicle that is not filled with items including pyjamas, clothes and blankets. I'm determined we will have 100 vehicles."

He said the convoy was supported by trade unions and community organisations and would leave London on February 14 and said he would be there when it leaves.

On Saturday the BBC was criticised after it said it would not screen an emergency appeal for Gaza, after ITV, Channel 4 and Five all announced they would show it.

BBC director general Mark Thompson has rejected a plea from International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander to screen the appeal, warning that a broadcast could compromise the impartiality of the BBC's reporting from the Palestinian territory.

The DEC - which brings together several major aid charities including the British Red Cross, Save the Children and Oxfam - wants the appeal to be broadcast on TV and radio from Monday to help raise millions of pounds for people in need of food, medicines and shelter following Israel's three-week assault on the Palestinian territory.



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