Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg spoke at the Northern Dinner of the Community Security Trust in Manchester on Thursday 3 November 2011.

Addressing a range of Jewish policy issues, Mr Clegg said:

“No Israeli should have to live in fear of terrorism. I want to see a prosperous and confident Israel, able to live in peace.”

The Liberal Democrat Leader made some particularly strong comments about how best to tackle different types of extremism, leading Martin Bright, Political Editor of the Jewish Chronicle, to write of Mr Clegg’s “strong” and “bold” stance, saying:

“Mr Clegg has always argued for a policy of engagement with radical Islam but he and others within the party have been keen to dismiss the idea that the Liberal Democrats are anti-Israel. Exactly a year ago, he gave a speech to Lib Dem Friends of Israel which emphasised his party’s support for a change in the law of universal jurisdiction. Unlike other political leaders, Nick Clegg has never courted the Jewish community. But nor has he been a false friend. At least, with Nick, you know what you are getting.”

Earlier the same day, Mr Clegg visited North Cheshire Jewish Primary School, where he confirmed continued government funding for Jewish school security, saying:“… tragically, the incidents of antisemitism and antisemitic violence have increased, particularly in Manchester, in recent months…So clearly these costs and needs are with us and will be with us for some time to come. The Government will continue to stand by schools like this to try and do our bit to provide some extra resources where that helps to cover security costs.”

Asked during the visit what he thought about Iran’s nuclear programme, Mr Clegg told the Jewish Chronicle:

“…a nuclear armed Iran would be very bad for the world…and so we are completely committed to continue to apply pressure through sanctions and other means on Iran…But we also will engage with Iran, and say to them very clearly that if they give up nuclear weapons ambitions, and if what they want is a civil nuclear programme, we’re prepared to work with them on that. That twin approach of pressure and engagement is something that we will continue…But as for other outcomes, clearly, you don’t rule anything out in a situation as grave as this.”

Mr Clegg later told the CST dinner:

“I never fail to be inspired by the Jewish community. The depth of your religious traditions, spanning thousands of years. Your rich cultural heritage, your contribution to British life. Indeed the history of Jews in Britain is, itself, a history of some of the greatest figures in British arts, education, business and politics. And when you look at the Jewish community today it is difficult not to be impressed. Whether at your pride in being part of a community that generates so much warmth, kindness and generosity. Your charitable work. Your volunteer networks – people who work tirelessly towards the goal of Tikkun Olam. And your phenomenal capacity to work in coalition: Orthodox, Reform, Liberal, Masorti…I’d be grateful for any tips.

“Not everyone outside the community understands that it is normal for small children to be perfectly comfortable with men on walkie talkies guarding their Hebrew classes, or synagogues having CCTV, or major events involving airport style security. And, if I’m honest, I would like to put the CST out of business. We all crave a time when none of this is needed. But, for now, you provide a hugely important service. Not just for the Jewish community – I know you do a lot of work to help other faith groups tackle hate crime too. And, on behalf of the Coalition Government…let me thank the whole CST team very, very much.”

Gavin Stollar, Chair of Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel (LDFI) met Kadima Leader Tzipi Livni on the morning of Thursday 6 October. Ms Livni was briefing a private meeting of Anglo-Jewish and pro-Israeli leaders before she went to meet Foreign Secretary William Hague. Kadima is Israel’s main opposition party, and is the largest single party in the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset.

Her visit to London was made easier by Parliament’s recent passing of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act, which includes a reform to the law on universal jurisdiction. This reform was taken through the House of Lords by Liberal Democrat ministers, following Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s pledge that the Coalition Government would do this.

Gavin Stollar said:

“I am delighted that Ms Livni is here to discuss the peace process with the UK Government. If the UK is to support the peace process, then Israeli and Palestinian leaders must be able to come to London to meet ministers. I am proud that Liberal Democrats played such a key role in the Coalition Government’s change to the law.”

Shan tova!

25th Mar 2011

FAO The Editor

Dear Sir,

As someone who is associated with a church that supported Mary Gardner, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to her family and friends and my profound shock and sadness at the manner of her death in a terrorist attack in Israel. Of course Mary Gardner is not the only Scot to face danger simply by living in Israel. Many Scots have friends and relatives residing in Israel and are concerned every time such attacks occur.

Some of our political leaders have been keen to condemn the state of Israel for its actions against the Palestinians and to encourage the boycott of Israeli goods. Sadly there seems to be less willingness to speak out to criticise those militant Islamists who resort to terrorist activities aimed against the Israeli people. One hopes that those most vocal on these matters might reflect on the need to adopt a more balanced approach in the next Scottish Parliament.

Yours sincerely

Dr Gordon Macdonald
Scottish Liberal Democrat Candidate for Strathkelvin & Bearsden and West of Scotland Region

Join with LDFI and other community organisations in this vigil, or a simultaneous vigil to be held in Albert Square, Manchester. There will also be events on university campuses across the country. These vigils will include eminent speakers,  such as the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks and HE Ambassador Ron Prosor, and the releasing of symbolic Chinese lanterns to represent the number of days Gilad Shalit has been held prisoner.