Israel Refusal of Entry for UK Parliamentarians 2025-04-07

Thanking the Foreign Secretary, the Minister for the Middle East, and British diplomatic staff in Tel Aviv for their support.

Acknowledges that Israel is a key security partner. Emphasises the importance of candid conversations with Israeli authorities to maintain influence on peace and security issues in the Middle East. Questions whether British nationals visiting Israel should be aware of requirements for entry, including longer searches and questioning if they have criticised the state publicly. Inquires about what FCDO would do if MPs were allowed entry but then arrested. Asks for updates on UK Government's engagement with interlocutors on hostage situation and aid to Gaza.

Describes how she was denied entry into Israel as part of a delegation to the West Bank. She emphasises the importance of bearing witness in conflict zones like Gaza and the West Bank, noting that over 1000 references have been made to this issue by British MPs.

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Acknowledges the incident and reiterates that Israel has the right to decide who enters their country. However, he notes that on this occasion, MPs were given clearance to enter.

Supports the Minister's rebuke of Israeli Government but is disappointed by lack of unified support in the House. She calls for transparency from Israel on issues like Palestinian detainee torture.

Asks about a comprehensive list of MPs who will not be permitted to travel to Israel and questions if high-level military delegations from Israel are still being entertained by the Government.

Expresses disappointment that members of the Opposition Front Bench have not joined in support, emphasising why MPs went to bear witness to issues on the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Acknowledges the sympathies but argues Israel has a right to refuse entry based on certain political stances. He notes that travel advice must be followed for insurance purposes.

Agrees with importance of parliamentary delegations in understanding conflict zones better, arguing actions by the Israeli Government undermine peace efforts.

Waugh condemns Hamas attacks but also criticises Israel's blockade and treatment of Palestinians. He questions the Minister about his stance on protecting MPs from smearing.

Gill pays tribute to detained MPs and argues for enabling delegations to visit Israel to learn diverse perspectives. She notes many in the House are disappointed by recent events.

Leadbitter expresses solidarity with detained MPs and criticises Israel for illegal settlements and targeting UN workers. He asks if the Government will condemn these actions.

Dodds condemns the position of Opposition Front Benchers regarding detained MPs, arguing it poses a risk to all parliamentarians' rights.

Murrison discusses his experience in facilitating visits to Israel and Palestine. He questions the Minister about conflating China and Israel's actions.

Akehurst supports detained MPs' right to visit the region for an informed view, despite disagreements on conflict aspects. He criticises their detention as outrageous.

Morello expresses support and outrage at detained MPs. He asks about steps to ensure Israel enters negotiations for a two-state solution.

Ali questions the Government's actions against Israeli Government for detaining MPs and if similar sanctions will be imposed on the Israeli ambassador as with China.

Corbyn thanks the Minister for supporting detained MPs. He asks about arms supply to Israel, including F-35 parts and RAF Akrotiri usage.

Disagreed with Opposition Front Benchers, condemned Israeli Government for bombing hospitals and schools, reported executions and home destruction by Israel Defence Forces, criticised banning of UK Parliamentarians.

Agreed with Ms. Owen's condemnation of the Leader of the Opposition’s comments, emphasised speaking out against actions in Palestine while respecting entry rights of Israeli Government.

Acknowledged difficulty faced by UK MPs but disagreed with opposition's stance on criticism of Israel being impossible.

Called for speaking out against Hamas and criticised Israeli Government's actions, demanded acknowledgment from Minister.

Condemned detention of MPs as shameful, questioned the Foreign Secretary about further action to show disapproval.

Asked about Israel's intentions and urged for clear actions by UK Government beyond words.

Defended Israeli Government’s right to control entry, criticised some MPs for opposing previous US President's visit.

Called for considering stronger actions against Israel beyond talking due to restrictions on parliamentary delegations.

Expressed concern over Israeli Government's decision, respected right but found it counterproductive.

Compared current situation to Russia’s ban on UK parliamentarians in 2022 and criticised Opposition for not standing up against Israeli actions.

Asked for assurance from Minister that he will not be cowed by treatment of UK MPs.

Asked about measures to ensure future visits by MPs without fear or interference.

Inquired about UK Government's red lines for triggering arms embargo and sanctions on Israel, sought clarification from Minister.

Asked if Minister is sympathetic to view that detention of MPs is part of silencing criticism and questioned possibility of business-as-usual diplomatic relationship with Israeli Government.

Inquired about concerns related to settler violence and expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Asked for accountability regarding attack on aid workers by IDF and demanded transparency from Israeli Government.

The Foreign Office and the embassy in Tel Aviv, along with consulates in Jerusalem, will support British nationals seeking to travel. They provided assistance to MPs on Saturday night and have supported British pilgrims in similar incidents recently. The Government hopes that parliamentary delegations continue, and they wish for free press operation within the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Opposition Members should agree with the whole House to avoid inflaming situations. The treatment of British MPs is a worrying trend, affecting aid workers and journalists as well. The Israeli Government must stop shutting itself off from international scrutiny.

Sovereign nations have the right to decide who can enter, even if it means barring entry for British MPs or Members of Parliament barred from entering China and Russia. The House should respect this sovereignty.

The actions by the Israeli Government and Opposition Front Bench are counterproductive and will not command support from the British public.

Delegations enrich our understanding of issues in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Visits ensure that debates are informed by lived experience rather than assumptions. The Minister should continue to seek a commitment from Israel regarding future delegations.

Thanks the Minister and Foreign Secretary for their support of two colleagues detained in Israel. Reminds the House that Israel is an occupying power, preventing entry into Gaza and committing atrocities.

The Israeli Government’s justification for barring MPs is baseless. The Minister should explain at what point Britain changes its posture towards Israel.

Honourable Friends were detained with grace, dignity, and fortitude. Lies about aid workers’ deaths and barring journalists and MPs undermine Israel’s claim to be an open democracy.

Israel is not respecting human rights in its treatment of British MPs, which is a further indication of the Israeli Government’s lack of transparency and respect for human rights.

Welcomes Minister's statement but questions where red lines are drawn when Israel breaks international law or the ceasefire, and how Britain continues to sell arms to Israel.

Supports colleagues over their treatment by Israeli authorities. Such decisions can damage Israel’s reputation here and in the wider world.

Solidarity with detained MPs, disgusted by similar treatment of British citizens visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.

Echos the concerns raised and finds it deeply troubling that only non-white MPs were detained, urging the Minister to express strong condemnation of these events in future Government discussions.

Expresses alarm about the denial of entry for international staff aiding Palestinians and criticises the apparent obstruction of aid scrutiny by Israel, advocating for protected access to the Occupied Palestinian Territories for aid and scrutiny.

Supports the Minister's statement in defence of parliamentary democracy but stresses transparency and accessibility as key elements. Expresses concern about Israel’s actions affecting its own democracy.

Calls for a united response to protect parliamentary activities from interference by other countries, highlighting the implications of not addressing this issue effectively.

Critiques the Leader of the Opposition's comments as extraordinary, noting that his hon. Friends were granted entry clearance to enter Israel and travel to the west bank.

Expresses anger at the denial of entry for MPs to the occupied territories in the west bank by Israeli authorities, urging unity across the House and solidarity with parliamentarians.

Pays tribute to his hon. Friends and urges the Minister to continue conversations with the Israeli ambassador and international partners for aid access in Palestine.

Expresses horror, outrage and anger at the killing of 15 Palestinian paramedics by IDF and seeks assurance that those responsible will be held accountable.

Calls for action to restore the ceasefire in Gaza, stressing its importance to Palestinians, Israelis and all in the region.

Views this pattern of behaviour from Israel as worrying and calls for a toughened diplomatic posture by the UK Government to stand up for values.

Critiques the Conservative Front-Bencher's silence on the issue, urging the Minister to ensure continued access for learning and sharing in the west bank and focus on addressing crimes of Hamas and securing a ceasefire.