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Luciana Berger: I've been unlucky in the House

September 15, 2011 12:26
Liverpool Wavertree MP Luciana Berger
1 min read

Britain's youngest Jewish MP, Luciana Berger, is facing criticism over her record of defending Israel since being elected to Parliament.

Ms Berger, 30, was Labour Friends of Israel director for three years before stepping down last year to fight her election campaign in the Liverpool Wavertree constituency.

There was an expectation that she would be a leading pro-Israel voice in Parliament.

But critics say there is a feeling within the city's Jewish community and among Israel supporters that she has steered clear of raising the issue in order to protect her career.

On her website Ms Berger describes her former role without mentioning the word "Israel". The "about Luciana" section of the site states: "Before being elected I ran a not-for-profit campaigning and education organisation which works for peace in the Middle East. "

Ms Berger has not mentioned Israel on any occasion while speaking in the House. She declined to comment, but the JC understands she staunchly defends her pro-Israel efforts. It is thought she feels "unlucky" not to have been called to speak during Foreign Office Questions.

The description of LFI on her website is the same as one used by the group under her directorship. She is now a member of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians and the Jewish Labour Movement.

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