House of Commons · Urgent Question
24 November 2025 · 20 other contributors
Opened by Nick Timothy Con West Suffolk
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Nick Timothy raised concerns about maccabi tel aviv fc away fans ban 2025-11-24 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the ban on Israeli Jewish supporters was based on fiction, and will she ensure publication of all intelligence material relating to the ban? The MP raises concern over fabricated claims by West Midlands Police and calls for transparency in the decision-making process regarding public safety at football matches.
Question
Will the Minister ensure publication of all intelligence material relating to the ban? Will she confirm that no organisations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood participated in providing evidence for the decision? What information was shared with UK Football Policing Unit and National Police Chiefs' Council?
Minister reply
I will ensure as much information is available for public scrutiny, but we need to understand the truth behind recent claims. The review will look into who provided information and on what basis recommendations were made. Home Office officials asked for an update from UK Football Policing Unit on 2 October regarding match options.
Question
Can the Minister assure that as much information as possible will be made available for public scrutiny?
Minister reply
We want to ensure as much information is in the public domain. However, we need to get to the bottom of recent claims before making any conclusions.
Question
What will the Government do to hold West Midlands Police accountable for providing false information? Why did Home Office not take action after being aware of ban possibility as early as 2 October?
Minister reply
We are investigating recent claims and have written to the chief constable for clarity. We need to understand the truth before making any conclusions. The balance between operational independence and protecting communities needs to be maintained.
Question
At high-risk football matches, including several local derbies, away fans have been given tickets only once they are on the coaches. Those buses have been taken in by a police escort, removing any fan clashes. Does the Minister agree that questions should be asked about why that tried and tested method was not used?
Minister reply
The SAG considered many options including closed matches with no fans or limited tickets. While it is correct to question whether this method could have been applied, a SAG considers multiple factors beyond policing advice before making recommendations.
Question
It is alarming that the decision made by West Midlands police was based on intelligence parts of which the Netherlands national police force has stated as not true. Will the Minister set out where this intelligence came from, and if she cannot provide details now, will these be part of future inquiries? What steps are being taken to reassure Jewish communities about their safety?
Minister reply
The Home Office is investigating the source of the intelligence and working closely with the Home Affairs Select Committee. The Government has provided funding for security measures, commissioned an independent review on public order legislation, and met community leaders to address concerns.
Question
Facing an unprecedented rise in antisemitic attacks, many Jews are fearful that the events in Birmingham signal exclusion from British public life. Can the Minister assure Israelis coming to UK for cultural, sporting, and academic activities they will be treated like any other visitor?
Minister reply
Absolutely, all visitors including Israelis are welcome. The Government is undertaking reviews on public order legislation and providing funding to tackle antisemitism and protect Jewish communities.
Question
Will the Minister provide information about the work done by the Home Office from when it was first informed of the possible ban on away fans to when the decision was made?
Minister reply
There were communications between the Home Office and UK football policing unit from 2 October onwards. The Department found out about the final decision via news reports, not through advanced briefing.
Question
Our police forces have dealt with violent fans from other countries for a long time. Is it correct to conclude that West Midlands police created a no-go zone for Jews in Birmingham based on fictitious intelligence about Maccabi Tel Aviv fans?
Minister reply
The Government agrees that there should be no no-go areas for Jews and condemns any suggestion of such. The review on public order legislation will address issues to ensure community safety.
Question
Birmingham is a welcoming city with excellent community relations, not because of politicians but due to faith communities working together. Why did the initial decision to ban Israeli fans seem wrong and what further steps will be taken?
Minister reply
The Government recognises Birmingham's positive community relations and supports faith communities in promoting peace. The inspector is reviewing safety advisory groups to identify necessary changes.
Question
According to the response to the Home Affairs Committee, the Home Office was fully briefed on the likely recommendation to ban visiting fans before the decision. Can the Minister explain why additional support for the match was not offered until after the final decision?
Minister reply
The Home Office was informed of decisions when they were made, not in advance. The review will examine how safety advisory groups operate and whether changes are needed.
Question
The MP raises serious concerns about the political leadership in the west midlands, especially regarding the police and crime commissioner. She questions if there are also issues that should be addressed given the recent revelations.
Minister reply
The Minister does not wish to make a political point but shares her concern. She confirms she is asking for further information from West Midlands Police and will look into the matter.
Question
The MP expresses that the recent reports suggest a worrying bias in decision-making, which has tarnished Birmingham's reputation as welcoming. He asks if this is a fair assessment.
Minister reply
The Minister avoids drawing conclusions at this stage but assures that she will ensure a thorough investigation of the events and the role of West Midlands Police.
Question
The MP inquires about Lord Mann's report on antisemitism, which was passed to the Government. She asks if this report influenced the decision-making process.
Minister reply
The Minister states her intention to discuss the report with Lord Mann and acknowledges its importance.
Question
The MP highlights the rise of antisemitism in recent years, calling for a root-and-branch review to ensure independence and address hidden antisemitism across public bodies.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the Prime Minister's view that the decision was wrong. She also supports auditing safety advisory groups to ensure their impartiality.
Question
The MP expresses doubts about West Midlands Police's recommendations and questions if political pressure influenced their decisions, leading to a loss of trust among the Jewish community.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the need for confidence in policing. She assures that the Prime Minister believes it was the wrong decision and emphasises the importance of impartiality.
Question
The MP stresses the importance of political impartiality in police operations, especially given the current situation with football hooliganism.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees on the need for political impartiality and emphasises that the police generally do a good job despite challenging circumstances.
Question
The MP asks what measures will be taken to restore trust in policing among the Jewish community, especially regarding incidents related to football matches and pro-Palestinian marches.
Minister reply
The Minister highlights the importance of strong relationships between police and the Jewish community. She encourages reporting hate crimes to ensure accurate figures and continued support.
Question
The MP calls for ensuring that fans from Israel are welcome in future matches involving British clubs, highlighting the challenge of football hooliganism while emphasising it is a small minority.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the need to ensure Israeli fans can attend UK matches without facing issues related to hooliganism.
Question
The hon. Member raises concerns about the message of exclusion based on alleged confidential intelligence from West Midlands police regarding Israeli fans engaging in significant hooliganism, and seeks assurance that international football fans are treated fairly without being excluded due to incorrect information or dishonest claims.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with ensuring that intelligence is correct wherever possible and that decisions are made considering a broad range of factors. The goal remains to ensure fair treatment of all fans and the continuation of football as a beloved sport.
Government Response
I congratulate Nick Timothy on securing this urgent question. I acknowledge the disappointment felt by supporters due to the ban. West Midlands Police, in consultation with local partners, made the decision based on their assessment of intelligence available at the time. The Home Secretary has commissioned a review by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services to examine how police forces provide risk assessment advice for high-profile events. I assure Members that understanding the events leading up to the match remains crucial, and we are committed to ensuring safe attendance regardless of background or affiliation.