Falconer: All MPs should be worried by blocking of two MPs from entering Israel

A Foreign Office minister has said all MPs should “be worried” by the decision to block two Labour MPs from entering Israel.

Hamish Falconer said both Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, who made the trip with charity partners as part of an MPs’ delegation, had his “support and solidarity”.

Ms Mohamed told the Commons they had been denied entry “based on our legitimate political opinions, which are firmly aligned with international law”.

Mr Falconer also called for Kemi Badenoch to apologise after the Conservative leader said she was “not surprised” the MPs were detained, and that “every country should be able to control its borders”.

In a statement, he said the MPs “were going to see for themselves what is taking place in the occupied territories, and to meet those directly affected by the shocking rise in settler violence”.

He added: “Such visits are commonplace for MPs from across this House and from all parties, indeed, I’m told that more than 161 Members of Parliament have conducted such visits.

“They enrich the knowledge and experience of us as legislators and representatives. They create connections with countries, political counterparts, and civil society.

“Indeed, I note that both organisations – Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Council for Arab-British Understanding – have supported visits from all the main political parties, including the benches opposite. All members should therefore be worried by what this decision means and the precedent it sets.