Carmichael and Moran praise “humbling” turnout for Palestine event

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael and the UK’s only MP of Palestinian descent, Layla Moran, have today praised the “humbling” turnout and support at the event held on Thursday evening to discuss the conflict in Gaza and Israel. The event, organised by Orkney Friends of Palestine and Orkney Amnesty International, saw a full turnout in the Kings Street Hall in Kirkwall.

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael said:

“The turnout for the public meeting held by Orkney Friends of Palestine and Orkney Amnesty International was absolutely fantastic. I’ve believed for a long time that local people care about what’s happening in Palestine and Gaza but to see it demonstrated in this way was a great achievement for the organisers.

“Layla’s message to the community was very well received. She laid heavy emphasis on the need for politicians and political parties to put their differences aside and to work together to improve Britain’s position on this issue.”

Oxford West and Abingdon MP, Layla Moran said:

“It was really humbling being in front of so many people who demonstrably showed how much they care about the plight of the Palestinian people at this tragic time. I want to thank all of them for their questions, their interest and above all for their compassion. It’s when we dig deep into that compassion that we can find the solutions.

“I desperately hope for peace as soon as possible, an end to the famine, but more than anything else a two-state solution that can mean an end to this cycle of violence once and for all – and I simply thank the organisers for allowing me an opportunity to speak to people in Orkney about the tragic experience and how we can get through it together as a country and the world.”