MP stands by Holocaust comment after Lib Dem reprimand

Liberal Democrat MP David Ward has said he stands by his comments about Israel's treatment of Palestinians after his party condemned him for his "use of language".

In a statement ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, the Bradford East MP said he had honoured "those who were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust" by signing a "Book of Commitment".

He continued: "I am saddened that the Jews, who suffered unbelievable levels of persecution during the Holocaust, could within a few years of liberation from the death camps be inflicting atrocities on Palestinians... on a daily basis".

Mr Ward has been summoned to a meeting with party whips next week.

But the MP told BBC Radio 5 live's Shelagh Fogarty he had chosen his words carefully and did not regret the timing of the statement.