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Political Tensions Erupt Over MPs’ Deportation from Israel

Recent actions taken by the Israeli government in denying entry to two UK Labour MPs have sparked a heated exchange between the Labour Party and the Conservative Party in Britain. The incident involves Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who defended Israel’s choice to deport MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, asserting the country’s right to control its borders.

In contrast, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the deportation, expressing his concerns and indicating that he had raised the issue with Israeli officials. Lammy reacted strongly to Badenoch’s remarks, which suggested that every nation should regulate its borders, a statement that drew criticism even from some members of her own party.

Discussing the expulsion of MPs Yang and Mohamed, who were part of a delegation aimed at visiting humanitarian initiatives in the West Bank, Badenoch stated, “I think that every country should be able to control its borders, and that’s what Israel is doing, as far as I understand.” She further clarified her stance on the Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips programme, suggesting that the MPs were attempting to engage in activities that were not permitted, thereby justifying Israel’s decision.

In response, Lammy took to social media, expressing outrage at Badenoch’s comments. “It’s disgraceful you are cheerleading another country for detaining and deporting two British MPs,” he wrote, questioning whether she held the same view regarding Conservative MPs previously barred from entering China. He emphasized his commitment to advocating for the rights of all MPs across the political spectrum to express their opinions freely.

Labour MP Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed her disbelief at Badenoch’s defense of Israel’s actions. “This is nonsense. You have to stand up for what’s right, Kemi Badenoch, and you should stand in solidarity with other parliamentarians who were just going to Israel and the West Bank to find out what was going on,” she asserted.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also criticized Badenoch, describing her comments as a display of “unbelievably poor judgment” amidst other strong criticisms of her stance.

In her defense, Badenoch retorted on social media that unlike China, Israel is considered a democratic ally, suggesting that a competent Foreign Secretary would grasp this distinction. She went on to challenge Labour MPs, insinuating they should prioritize the UK’s national interests over other issues they advocate, such as airports in Kashmir or perceived Hamas support.

Conversely, Richard Fuller, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, highlighted the need for MPs to be welcomed on official trips, emphasizing that such visits aim to enhance understanding of international situations that can inform parliamentary discussions. He expressed concern regarding the increasingly authoritarian measures exhibited by certain nations and noted the importance of safeguarding democratic principles.

Thornberry pointed out that this incident marks a historic first, as it is the first instance of British MPs being refused entry to Israel. The two MPs were part of a long-standing delegation organized by the Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu) and Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), which has conducted similar trips for over a decade.

While the global focus has been on Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 7, 2023, it is important to also acknowledge the impact of airstrikes on the West Bank, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 261 Palestinians and have displaced around 40,000 individuals, according to the Palestinian-Israeli rights organization B’tselem.

Source
www.theguardian.com