MPs defend Cherie 'gaffe'

Thirty-seven Labour MPs yesterday defended Cherie Blair's controversial remarks over Palestinian suicide bombers.

The Prime Minister's wife was forced to apologise on Tuesday after she said young Palestinians "feel they have got no hope but to blow themselves up".

An early day motion, tabled by Brian Sedgemore, the Hackney South and Shoreditch MP, suggested her sentiments were shared by large numbers of Labour backbenchers. Signatories included Diane Abbott, Ann Clwyd, Dennis Skinner and the former sports minister Tony Banks.