Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough, has said that he is "saddened" by the news he has been suspended by the Labour Party.

Mr McDonald believes that his words at a pro-Palestine rally at the weekend have been misrepresented.

He goes on to say that he is happy to explain his views during the investigation.

He said: "I am saddened to have received the news from the opposition chief whip that I have been placed under 'precautionary suspension' for a period of three months, which is reviewable pending an investigation by the Labour Party. 

"I look forward to engaging and fully cooperating with the inquiry.

"Throughout the past two days, there have been a number of misrepresentations of my words in the media.

"These have furthered baseless and extremely harmful representations against me, which I feel obliged to respond to now, in order to avoid any further errors in the press.

"In my speech on Saturday, I said the following: "Until all people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea, can live in peaceful liberty.

"These words should not be construed in any other way than they were intended, namely as a heartfelt plea for an end to killings in Israel, Gaza, and the occupied West Bank, and for all peoples in the region to live in freedom without the threat of violence.

"I will be happy to explain these views to the investigation when it convenes, and trust that the whip will be restored.

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"In the meantime, for the sake of humanity, I hope and pray that we see an end to war in Gaza, and steps are taken towards a lasting peace." 

A Labour Party spokesperson previously said: "The comments made by Andy McDonald at the weekend were deeply offensive, particularly at a time of rising antisemitism which has left the Jewish people fearful for their safety.

"The chief whip has suspended the Labour whip from Andy McDonald, pending an investigation."