'We are fighting inhumanity - not other faiths'

Date published: 26 January 2009


Hundreds of people crammed into Castlemere Community Centre to meet George Galloway MP, who was speaking about his views on Gaza.

Representatives from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths arrived at the conference yesterday (Sunday 25 January), to discuss the importance of unity in a time of global separation and war.

The controversial MP, who is an ex Big Brother housemate, told Rochdale Online in an exclusive interview that he has fond memories from when he was last here 20 years ago.

He said: “Rochdale is a town I remember well; the last time I was here I was making a speech about Kashmir.

“Now I am back again and it is so pleasing to see so many wonderful people who have made me feel welcome. When I come here I always remember Gracie Fields as she is my favourite Rochdale celebrity”.

Speaking about the events in Gaza, he said: “In this bitter winter, thousands of people have lost their lives. This is really about turning sympathy into solidarity”.

“It is time to flood the people of Palestine with practical aid. I am pulling together other individuals and groups to organise a convoy from Britain to Gaza”.

Professor Muhammed Nawaz from Muslim Activist London said: “This event today is about unity, and to demonstrate that the fight at hand is not against the Jewish, Christian or Muslim faiths; but against inhumanity”.

Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive of the Foundation said: “It was a successful event and I am glad George Galloway was welcomed into Rochdale”.

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