Two British MPs Refused Entry to Israel, Prompting Diplomatic Concerns
Labour MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed detained during parliamentary delegation.
Labour Members of Parliament Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed were denied entry into Israel while on a parliamentary delegation, prompting significant diplomatic responses.
The incident has been described by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy as 'unacceptable, counterproductive and deeply concerning.' In a statement released on Saturday evening, Lammy expressed his disapproval and stated that he had communicated with Israeli officials regarding the treatment of British parliamentarians.
He affirmed, 'I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British parliamentarians,' emphasizing the UK's commitment to diplomatic dialogue.
This denial of entry comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Foreign Secretary reiterated that the UK government's primary objective remains to restore a ceasefire and facilitate negotiations aimed at concluding hostilities, addressing the humanitarian crisis, securing the release of hostages, and ultimately ending conflict in Gaza.
Yuan Yang, who represents the constituency of Earley and Woodley, and Abtisam Mohamed, representing Sheffield Central, were both elected to Parliament in July 2022. Their delegation was part of a broader attempt by UK lawmakers to engage with various stakeholders in the region as part of diplomatic efforts.
As the situation evolves, the UK government continues to monitor developments and maintain contact with the affected MPs to provide support following their detainment.
The incident has been described by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy as 'unacceptable, counterproductive and deeply concerning.' In a statement released on Saturday evening, Lammy expressed his disapproval and stated that he had communicated with Israeli officials regarding the treatment of British parliamentarians.
He affirmed, 'I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British parliamentarians,' emphasizing the UK's commitment to diplomatic dialogue.
This denial of entry comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Foreign Secretary reiterated that the UK government's primary objective remains to restore a ceasefire and facilitate negotiations aimed at concluding hostilities, addressing the humanitarian crisis, securing the release of hostages, and ultimately ending conflict in Gaza.
Yuan Yang, who represents the constituency of Earley and Woodley, and Abtisam Mohamed, representing Sheffield Central, were both elected to Parliament in July 2022. Their delegation was part of a broader attempt by UK lawmakers to engage with various stakeholders in the region as part of diplomatic efforts.
As the situation evolves, the UK government continues to monitor developments and maintain contact with the affected MPs to provide support following their detainment.
