EXCLUSIVE
David Cameron has spoken of his concern about Labour’s approach to Israel and Hamas as he begins his final tour of Britain before election day.
Campaigning in the Hendon constituency in north-west London, the Prime Minister said he understood the fears of the Jewish community in the face of the terror threat and attacks on Israel.
Speaking to the JC, Mr Cameron said Jewish voters could have an impact at the ballot box on Thursday.
“I know that at this time the Jewish community have felt, understandably, particularly threatened because of the appalling events in Brussels and then in Paris. I want to do everything we can to reassure them,” he said.
Asked what would happen to Britain’s relationship with Israel in the event of a Labour government, possibly backed by the Scottish National Party, Mr Cameron outlined his concern.
“They seem to see some sort of equivalence between Israel defending itself and Hamas firing rockets indiscriminately into Israel. That’s completely wrong.
“We have to be very clear about the right of Israel to exist and defend itself and take those steps. I do worry about Labour’s apparent change of heart.”
Matthew Offord, who is standing for re-election for the Tories in Hendon, added: “It’s worthwhile to mention the SNP’s view on boycotts of Israel. That would be a catastrophe.”
Mr Cameron backed Mr Offord’s candidacy and denied the party was not doing as well in the constituency as could be expected. He said Hendon was one of the seats that would decide the outcome of the election.
“We have an excellent MP in Matthew Offord and I want people to send him back to Parliament for another five years,” he said.
“He’s stood up for Hendon and very much for the Jewish community.
“He was one of the people who said it was absolutely essential we have more security for Jewish schools and community centres and other organisations and the government has delivered that.”
Former Labour MP Andrew Dismore is Mr Offord’s leading challenger.
Mr Cameron and Mr Offord were joined at the rally in Colindale by London mayor Boris Johnson. The politicians answered questions from an audience of workers at an energy company on topics including the economy, Ukip and the Tory leadership.
