I wish to submit a petition on behalf of 1,364 residents throughout Greater Manchester who oppose the BBC's decision to refuse to broadcast the appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee for aid for the people of Gaza.

The petition states:

The Petition of persons concerned at the BBC's decision not to air the DEC's Gaza Appeal,

Declares that the International Committee of the Red Cross has said that conditions for the people of Gaza are "worse than Darfur" but the BBC refuses to allow the Disasters Emergency Committee to broadcast an appeal for aid; further declares the petitioners' agreement with Government Health Minister Ben Bradshaw, who has said the reasons the BBC has given for blocking an appeal for humanitarian aid are "completely feeble" and that it was "an inexplicable decision".

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to do everything in its power to urge the BBC to reconsider its decision and to contact the Disasters Emergency Committee as a matter of urgency so that its appeal can be broadcast nationally.

And the petitioners remain, etc.

[P000323]