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By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FOR MAILONLINE Published: 08:26 BST, 6 April 2025 | Updated: 08:27 BST, 6 April 2025
David Lammy has blasted the ‘unacceptable’ detention of two Labour MPs who were refused entry to Israel.The Foreign Secretary said it was ‘unacceptable, counterproductive and deeply concerning’ that Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed were held and then deported.The pair were rejected because of their plans to ‘document the activities of security forces and spread anti-Israel hatred’, according to Israeli officials.The Foreign Office said Ms Yang and Ms Mohamed were part of a parliamentary delegation, although Israel’s immigration ministry disputed this.Ms Yang, MP for Earley and Woodley, and Ms Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central, flew to Israel from Luton Airport with two aides on Saturday afternoon, the BBC reported.Israeli officials said all four passengers were denied entry after being questioned and the MPs left the country at 6am local time (4am BST) on Sunday.Mr Lammy said: ‘It is unacceptable, counterproductive and deeply concerning that two British MPs on a parliamentary delegation to Israel have been detained and refused entry by the Israeli authorities.’I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British parliamentarians, and we have been in contact with both MPs tonight to offer our support. David Lammy has blasted the ‘unacceptable’ detention of two Labour MPs who were refused entry to Israel The Foreign Secretary said it was ‘unacceptable, counterproductive and deeply concerning’ that Yuan Yang (right) and Abtisam Mohamed (left) were held and then deportedThe Foriegn Secretary added the Government’s focus ‘remains securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages and end the conflict in Gaza’.Israel’s UK embassy said: ‘Israel will not permit the entry of individuals who act against the state and its citizens, promote calls for its boycott, falsely accuse it or call for sanctions against its ministers and public officials.’Today, in accordance with the law, two members of Parliament were denied entry to the State of Israel after accusing Israel of false claims, calling for a boycott, spreading lies and actively promoting sanctions against Israeli ministers while supporting campaigns aimed at boycotting the State of Israel.’The visit was intended to provoke, harm Israeli citizens and spread falsehoods about them. It is Israel’s responsibility to prevent the entry of such individuals (just as is the practice in the UK).’Both Ms Yang and Ms Mohamed were elected to Parliament last July.
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David Lammy slams ‘unacceptable’ detention of two Labour MPs refused entry to Israel
