Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has spoken out on his stand against the decision to stop Israeli athletes participating in the World Indoor Bowls Championships.
Speaking on GB News, Lowe said he is fearful of a rise in antisemitism and said the decision was a sign of rising ‘evil’.
The World Bowls Tour [WBT] initially decided not to allow Israeli bowlers to participate due to challenges “regarding their involvement” at a previous Championships in Scotland.
The organisation said they were forced to make the “difficult decision” to withdraw Israel’s invitation.
Rupert Lowe fears antisemitism is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s society
GB NEWS
But after interventions by people like Lowe, the tour U-turned and allowed their participation.
“People have to stand up early on to this kind of evil”, Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe said on GB News.
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Rupert Lowe joined Michelle Dewberry on GB News
GB NEWS
“It’s beginning to happen a bit again. Recently, in my constituency I had to stand up for two Jewish competitors in a bowls tournament.
“They were stopped from competing in a bowls tournament on the basis that the International Bowls Association couldn’t guarantee their safety.”
The Championships took place in Lowe’s constituency of Great Yarmouth, and he heralded the move as part of a “fight back against the hate mob”.
“This was happening in Great Yarmouth. I stood up and that decision was reversed”, he told Michelle Dewberry.
“I spoke to one of the competitors in Israel, they were very grateful, they didn’t win but the point is, they should always be allowed to compete.
“They should always be included. We cannot allow any aspect of this kind of division to be allowed to happen.”
The WBT issued an apologetic letter to Israel’s bowlers association president Zvika Hadar, saying “following discussions with various partner agencies, we have been able to confirm today an increase in the security presence at the event”.
The Tour said their “sole consideration” had been the “safety and security of all participants, staff and attendees involved in the tournament”.
