I HAD never thought it so controversial to speak up for Palestine. You knew people would disagree, challenge — but not try to stop debate and the freedom of expression.

First, Israel sought to get the three letters BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) outlawed. It resulted in the government’s anti-boycott Bill — with Labour meekly toeing the line that, somehow, non-violent action such as BDS was discriminating against Israel, notwithstanding its continuous breaching of international law in its occupation and encouragement of settlements in Palestine.

Next, it was using the word apartheid in the same sentence as Israel — despite copious reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and others that Israel was now in breach of international law by committing the crime of apartheid against Palestinians in the operation of its regime.