UK MPs Detained by Israel Receive Support from Parliamentary Colleagues
A significant show of solidarity unfolds in Westminster as two British MPs are barred from entering Israel, raising concerns over freedom of expression.
A notable display of solidarity emerged in the House of Commons on Monday as cabinet ministers and over 70 parliamentarians gathered to support two MPs who were detained and denied entry to Israel.
This unprecedented incident marks the first occasion that British MPs have been banned from entering the country, igniting discussions about the implications for parliamentary privileges and diplomatic relations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones were present at the photocall in Westminster Hall, organized by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh.
Alongside them were MPs Hamish Falconer and Rushanara Ali, the latter serving as the housing minister.
Falconer addressed the Commons, clarifying that both MPs, Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, had received prior clearance from Israeli authorities before their travel.
He termed their ban “unacceptable and deeply concerning,” indicating that actions taken appear to have been influenced by their political statements within the UK Parliament.
Falconer noted that the UK government had communicated its concerns regarding the matter at the highest levels with Israeli officials.
Yang and Mohamed, who represent Earley and Woodley and Sheffield Central respectively, received a warm reception from their colleagues, highlighting the solidarity shown within the party.
Mohamed characterized her treatment as “unprecedented,” asserting that her views expressed in the House of Commons are consistent with legitimate political opinions and international laws.
She emphasized that many Israelis and charitable organizations echoed similar calls for change.
“This was not about security; this was about control and censorship,” Muhammad articulated, underscoring her commitment to a peaceful resolution in the region.
Yang shared her experience, stating that while she was aware of the risks involved in traveling to the area, she did not foresee facing detention and deportation by a nation allied with the UK. Yang also reflected on the significance of parliamentary discourse, stating, “If my experience has proved anything, it is that what we say in this chamber matters.”
Falconer reported that there were initial fears of extended detention without access to their phones.
Their eventual release was facilitated by negotiations involving both him and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who communicated with his Israeli counterpart.
During his commentary, Falconer expressed concern over the precedent set by this decision, emphasizing that it could adversely impact the perception of the Israeli government among UK lawmakers.
He also condemned the killing of 15 paramedics in a convoy near Rafah and called for a return to ceasefire negotiations, stating, “This conflict cannot be won by bombs and bullets but by diplomacy.”
The show of support garnered attention from multiple MPs, including Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Meg Hillier, chair of the Treasury select committee, and Anneliese Dodds, former minister for international development.
Streeting reflected on a prior visit to the region with the Council for Arab British Understanding and Medical Aid for Palestinians, questioning the targeting of Yang and Mohamed, whom he described as respected members of Parliament with a commitment to understanding diverse perspectives in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Council for Arab British Understanding has taken a total of 161 MPs and peers to the region since its inception in 1997, including prominent figures such as Sadiq Khan, Nick Clegg, and Lisa Nandy.
Other notable politicians have participated in similar delegations over the years.
In an additional commentary from the chamber, Falconer challenged statements made by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch regarding the reasons for the MPs' prohibition from entering Israel, asserting that the justifications provided by Israeli officials did not align with Badenoch’s claims, and he called for her to issue an apology.
This unprecedented incident marks the first occasion that British MPs have been banned from entering the country, igniting discussions about the implications for parliamentary privileges and diplomatic relations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones were present at the photocall in Westminster Hall, organized by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh.
Alongside them were MPs Hamish Falconer and Rushanara Ali, the latter serving as the housing minister.
Falconer addressed the Commons, clarifying that both MPs, Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, had received prior clearance from Israeli authorities before their travel.
He termed their ban “unacceptable and deeply concerning,” indicating that actions taken appear to have been influenced by their political statements within the UK Parliament.
Falconer noted that the UK government had communicated its concerns regarding the matter at the highest levels with Israeli officials.
Yang and Mohamed, who represent Earley and Woodley and Sheffield Central respectively, received a warm reception from their colleagues, highlighting the solidarity shown within the party.
Mohamed characterized her treatment as “unprecedented,” asserting that her views expressed in the House of Commons are consistent with legitimate political opinions and international laws.
She emphasized that many Israelis and charitable organizations echoed similar calls for change.
“This was not about security; this was about control and censorship,” Muhammad articulated, underscoring her commitment to a peaceful resolution in the region.
Yang shared her experience, stating that while she was aware of the risks involved in traveling to the area, she did not foresee facing detention and deportation by a nation allied with the UK. Yang also reflected on the significance of parliamentary discourse, stating, “If my experience has proved anything, it is that what we say in this chamber matters.”
Falconer reported that there were initial fears of extended detention without access to their phones.
Their eventual release was facilitated by negotiations involving both him and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who communicated with his Israeli counterpart.
During his commentary, Falconer expressed concern over the precedent set by this decision, emphasizing that it could adversely impact the perception of the Israeli government among UK lawmakers.
He also condemned the killing of 15 paramedics in a convoy near Rafah and called for a return to ceasefire negotiations, stating, “This conflict cannot be won by bombs and bullets but by diplomacy.”
The show of support garnered attention from multiple MPs, including Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Meg Hillier, chair of the Treasury select committee, and Anneliese Dodds, former minister for international development.
Streeting reflected on a prior visit to the region with the Council for Arab British Understanding and Medical Aid for Palestinians, questioning the targeting of Yang and Mohamed, whom he described as respected members of Parliament with a commitment to understanding diverse perspectives in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Council for Arab British Understanding has taken a total of 161 MPs and peers to the region since its inception in 1997, including prominent figures such as Sadiq Khan, Nick Clegg, and Lisa Nandy.
Other notable politicians have participated in similar delegations over the years.
In an additional commentary from the chamber, Falconer challenged statements made by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch regarding the reasons for the MPs' prohibition from entering Israel, asserting that the justifications provided by Israeli officials did not align with Badenoch’s claims, and he called for her to issue an apology.
