A NINE-strong delegation of Middle East campaigners have taken their cause to Europe.

Members of the County Durham Palestine Solidarity Campaign held meetings with politicians and officials at the European Parliament, in Brussels, including North-East MEPs Stephen Hughes and Fiona Hall.

They joined national campaigners to push for changes to EU foreign policy: around trade with Israel and access to the Gaza strip.

Chairman Bill Williamson said: "We believe EU policy towards the Middle East peace process is not working. There is no peace.

"Quiet diplomacy and persuasion, with lucrative arms deals, preferential trade agreements and political support for Israel amount to a high price for EU taxpayers to pay for a failing policy that changes nothing in Israel’s approach to Palestine."

Mr Williamson said he believed the visit had been very successful and campaigners would keep up pressure on the EU to suspend its trade agreement with Israel.