PROTESTERS called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict outside the campaign launch for a man hoping to become South Dorset's next MP - with a local Labour councillor also resigning from the party during the protest.

Labour's Parliamentary candidate Lloyd Hatton launched his campaign to run for election in South Dorset on Friday at the Marlboro fish and chip shop and restaurant in Weymouth where he used to work.

He was joined by former Labour MP Lord Knight.

Dorset Echo: Former MP Jim Knight (right) and Labour candidate Lloyd Hatton (left) served fish and chips at Marlboro on Friday eveningFormer MP Jim Knight (right) and Labour candidate Lloyd Hatton (left) served fish and chips at Marlboro on Friday evening (Image: South Dorset Labour)

While Mr Hatton talked about his hopes of becoming an MP and what he planned to do, a handful of protestors from the Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign (DPSC) gathered outside, called on the candidate to take a position for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The campaign group had written to Mr Hatton beforehand asking him to demand an "immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire" in Gaza and for the immediate opening of borders to provide safe passage to allow entry for all aid trucks into the region.

Mr Hatton replied to the group by letter, however, the DPSC said the reply "evaded" their demands.

Mr Hatton wrote: "Thank you for writing to me. Like you, I am appalled by the appalling loss of life and want to see an end to violence in the region.

"As you will likely have seen, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, has called on the Government to convene an emergency UN Security Council meeting to demand a ceasefire. I support these calls wholeheartedly."

After Mr Hatton refused to call for an immediate ceasefire, the group protested outside the fish and chip shop.

Dorset Echo: The DPSC protested outside the fish and chip shop on Friday evening, whilst the campaign launch took place insideThe DPSC protested outside the fish and chip shop on Friday evening, whilst the campaign launch took place inside (Image: Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign)

Rob Ferguson, secretary of Dorset PSC said: "It is just shameful. While Labour Party members tuck into a fish and chip dinner with a candidate who refuses to call for an immediate ceasefire, Gaza is on the brink of famine. While they glad-hand, starving Palestinians queuing for food are targeted and shot."

Portland Town Councillor Giovanna Lewis was present at the protest and announced her resignation from the Labour Party and said she would not vote for her former party "until they demand a ceasefire".

Dorset Echo: Giovanna Lewis announced her resignation from the Labour Party whilst Rob Ferguson said Mr Hatton's position was 'shameful'Giovanna Lewis announced her resignation from the Labour Party whilst Rob Ferguson said Mr Hatton's position was 'shameful' (Image: Dorset Palestine solidarity Campaign)

Cllr Lewis said: "A so-called Labour Party, a party of the people has to be pushed and dragged to a place of decency and humanity. 

"We will let them know they will not have our vote until they demand a ceasefire. The Labour Party need to stand and be counted."