PRO-PALESTINIAN protestors surrounded the home of a senior Tory MP on Monday night and accused him of being “complicit in genocide”.
Ministers slammed 60-80 demonstrators for waving flags and shouting through megaphones outside the Bournemouth residence of Tobias Ellwood.
Pro-Palestinian protestors surrounded the home of a senior Tory MP on Monday nightCredit: BNPSThe mob accused him of being 'complicit in genocide'Credit: BNPSTobias Ellwood's Bournemouth residence was targeted by 60-80 demonstrators waving flags and shouting through megaphonesCredit: PAThe ex-minister has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government and advocated for peace in the region.
Dorset police confirmed the protestors left the area outside his house at 8.50pm.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers attended the scene and liaised with the organisers to ensure people could exercise their right to protest legally and safely without causing significant or ongoing serious public disorder, serious damage or serious disruption to the community.
From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023“We respect people’s right to lawful protest.
"However, we have a duty to ensure those involved act within the law and ensure the local community can go about their lawful activities.”
Housing Minister Lee Rowley blasted the incident as “terrible” and accused protestors of trying to “bully” and “intimidate” Mr Ellwood.
Mr Rowley said: “We know that is not what the vast majority of the people in this country do.
“They debate properly. They debate proportionately. They debate reasonably.
“I think this kind of protest should absolutely stop and we should get back to debating and discussing the key issues.”
It came as David Cameron said recognising Palestine as a state should not be seen as “rewarding Hamas”.
Speaking in the House of Lords, the Foreign Secretary argued Hamas terrorists don’t believe in a two-state solution, and so “of course it isn’t rewarding” them.
Lord Cameron said recognition “should not be the first thing we should do”.
But he added: “Just because it doesn’t happen in the beginning doesn’t mean it has to wait right until the end.”
How to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetime Former Labour candidate Corrie Drew was accused of trying to 'bully' Mr EllwoodCredit: BNPS