Like many people, I have been devastated by the terrible events happening in and around Gaza. My aim has always been to highlight cases of human suffering and for all those who cause harm to innocent civilians being held to account. My social media posts reflect my hope for an immediate bilateral ceasefire, the return of all hostages and an end to the violence. Once I was made aware of connotations of anti-Semitism in some of the posts I shared from other accounts, I removed them immediately from my timeline and I apologise for the upset they have caused. I, and the Tower Hamlets Green Party, abhor racism in all its forms including anti-Semitism and work hard to identify and challenge it within society.
Although this was a genuine and regrettable misunderstanding, in the current political climate, the issue has become a distraction from both the call to build a lasting peace in the Middle East as well as the other important issues facing constituents in Bethnal Green and Stepney. As such I have decided to withdraw my candidacy.
I strongly believe that the Green Party is still best placed to represent the constituents of Bethnal Green and Stepney whatever their background and I wish my Green Party colleagues every success at the forthcoming election.