Tony Blair criticised in key EU debate on Lebanon

12.16.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Sep 2006

Speaking in a key debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today on the situation in the Middle East, Liz Lynne, Lib Dem MEP for the West Midlands Region, will say:

"The EU Council of Minister's failure to call for an immediate ceasefire meant the EU stood back and let the infrastructure of Lebanon be destroyed and led to more than a thousand civilian deaths in Lebanon and Israel, not to mention the cluster bombs which will lead to even more. I lay that failure directly at the door of the British Government and Tony Blair in particular.

"What has he achieved with his dog-like devotion to George Bush? Apart from wanton destruction to property and life, it has led to the further alienation of the Muslim community. He has the nerve to say he doesn't believe it will lead to more terrorist attacks. If I am angry, and other people like me are angry, over Iraq and now Lebanon what sort of ammunition does it give to those people who are intent on indoctrinating disaffected young Muslims?

"Nothing, I repeat nothing, excuses terrorist attacks but Tony Blair must wake up to the fact that his actions make him culpable."

ENDS

Editor's Notes

• The British Government blocked a call in the Council of Ministers for an immediate ceasefire on 1st August, 2006.