David Ward defends tweet ahead of written apology

The Lib Dems have said David Ward has given a "categorical apology" for his comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mr Ward tweeted on Tuesday: "The big question is - if I lived in #Gaza would I fire a rocket? - probably yes."

In a statement subsequently released by the Lib Dems, he said: "My comments were not in support of firing rockets into Israel. If they gave the opposite impression, I apologise."

Speaking before his apology Mr Ward said that if he was in Palestinian territories, he "would have to do something".