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Tonge resigns from Lib Dems after Israel controversy

February 29, 2012 18:04
Jenny Tonge

By

Marcus Dysch,

Marcus Dysch

1 min read

Baroness Tonge has resigned from the Liberal Democrats following anti-Israel comments she made at an Israel Apartheid Week event.

She rejected an ultimatum from party leader Nick Clegg to apologise for the remarks and will no longer sit on the party's benches in the House of Lords.

Confirming Baroness Tonge had left the Lib Dems, Mr Clegg said: "These remarks were wrong and offensive and do not reflect the values of the Liberal Democrats.

"I asked Baroness Tonge to withdraw her remarks and apologise for the offense she has caused. She has refused to do so and will now be leaving the party.