Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran Katy Clark has strongly condemned the recent decision made by the BBC not to broadcast an appeal for funds made by the Disasters Emergency Commission, an umbrella organisation made up of thirteen leading UK charities and humanitarian aid agencies, to help ease the plight of people affected by the conflict in Gaza. The BBC claim that broadcasting the appeal would risk public confidence in the corporation’s impartiality however ITV, Channel Four and Channel Five have all agreed to show the appeal.

Speaking on the subject the Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran said ‘I am extremely disappointed at the decision taken by the BBC not to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Commission’s appeal for aid to the Palestinian people. Given the grave humanitarian situation in the region I believe it is vital that the British people are given all the information required to make a donation if they wish to do so. I urge the Director General of the BBC to do the right thing, reconsider his position on this issue and allow the appeal to be shown on the BBC.

“Over 1,300 people have died as a result of the Israeli military action in the region with an estimated 50,000 people losing their homes and 400,000 having to go without running water. Should anyone from North Ayrshire and Arran wish to make a donation to the appeal they should call the Disasters Emergency Committee direct on 0370 60 60 900 or visit their website at www.dec.org.uk”

The local MP has signed an Early Day Motion condemning the BBC decision and written to the Director General of the BBC asking them to re consdier their position.