MARTIN SIGNS GAZA CRISIS APPEAL MOTION

12.13.00pm GMT Mon 26th Jan 2009

CHELTENHAM MP and former Oxfam worker, Martin Horwood has signed an Early Day Motion in Parliament today expressing astonishment at the BBC's decision not to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee Gaza Crisis Appeal.

During his career as a charity fundraiser, Martin participated in Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeals for Oxfam, and is surprised that the BBC is refusing to collaborate with this appeal. Martin said, 'having worked on DEC appeals in the past, I know how vitally important it is for broadcasters to support them.'

'The DEC has a very good track record of being completely impartial in terms of politics and not taking sides between the warring factions in any dispute. I can see no reason why the BBC should not support this DEC appeal for the obvious humanitarian disaster that is facing the people of Gaza.'