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MEP STEPS DOWN AS LEADER
North West Euro-MP Chris Davies has resigned as leader of the British Liberal Democrat MEPs after a row about an insulting e-mail.
He told a correspondent who sent him an e-mail justifying Israel's policies towards Palestinians that her words "Sound like racism to me. I hope you enjoy wallowing in your own filth."
The exchange was reported in (Thursday's) edition of the Jewish News. The MEP has apologized for his words, which he said were completely unacceptable. He described the exchange as ten seconds of madness, and a warning about the use of emails. I've paid the price for pressing the 'SEND' button when I was not only angry but blazing mad. I dislike rudeness and I would never have used these words if I had stopped for long enough to put my brain into gear.
Three weeks ago I described the policies of the Israeli Government as akin to apartheid. The irony is that of all the foul and insulting e-mails I have had since then this was one of the more reasonable, but
mentally I put it in the same bracket as the others.
The MEP told the correspondent (Hilary Segal of unknown address): "My visit to Palestine last month has left me with such a sense of despair about the Israeli Government's policies towards the Palestinians that I have been blinded to the need for civilised debate with those who make not unreasonable arguments.
"Your e-mail of 21 April was opened immediately after my having read a number of others variously describing me as 'anti semitic', 'scumbag', 'Jew hater', and comparing me with excrement.
"In my anger I did not pay due regard to its actual content and I apologise for the language and tone of my response, which was unacceptable and without justification.
Mr Davies telephoned Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell to offer his resignation as soon as it became clear that the private exchange was to become public. I've embarrassed myself by my actions and I don't want to embarrass Ming too," he said.
The MEP will continue to serve as his party's environment spokesman in
the European Parliament. He said he had no idea who the correspondent was or where she lived. Her e-mail did not include a postal address, he explained.
Sir Menzies Campbell said:
"Chris Davies has rightly made a full apology for his remarks. What he said was unacceptable and he recognises that unreservedly.
"Chris Davies has made a very considerable contribution to our Party over a long period and I am sorry that it has become necessary for him to resign his leadership. I deeply regret that his remarks have caused offence to the Jewish community."
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