Ludford condemns Polish MEP's anti-semitic booklet

11.42.41am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 21st Feb 2007

Commenting on the publication by a far-right Polish MEP of an anti-semitic booklet, London's Liberal Democrat MEP and vice-president of the European Parliament's anti-racism and diversity intergroup Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"The publication of this outrageously anti-Jewish booklet by Polish MEP Maciej Giertych shows how the fight against racism and specifically anti-semitism has to be stepped up a gear."

"It adds insult to injury that, although the European Parliament rightly did not fund or assist its publication, Giertych saw fit to adorn this deeply offensive booklet with the European Parliament's logo. It is of course a disgrace that Polish voters allow this man to be an MEP."

"I welcome the decision of European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pottering to launch an inquiry. I also urge the Polish authorities to examine whether criminal laws have been breached."

"This incident once again throws the spotlight on the ongoing failure by EU governments to agree a European measure whereby all 27 EU states would have laws criminalising incitement to racial hatred."