The Liberal Democrats have condemned an MP who backed Hamas rockets being fired into Israel.

David Ward, the MP for Bradford East, tweeted on Tuesday evening: “The big question is - if I lived in #Gaza would I fire a rocket? - probably yes”

The statement was condemned by the party.

A spokesman said: “We utterly condemn David Ward’s comments, they are not representative of the Liberal Democrats. The party takes this matter very seriously and will treat it as a disciplinary issue.”

Gavin Stollar, chair of Liberal Democrats Friends of Israel, added: "LDFI unequivocally condemns David Ward's statement and calls for the Party to suspend his membership with immediate effect.

“Not only is this latest diatribe in poor taste but it shows what an ignorant political opportunist David Ward is. He is neither a Liberal nor a Democrat and as such should not be allowed to carry a membership card espousing these philosophies."