A diplomatic incident has erupted between the UK and Israel after two Labour MPs, Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, were denied entry to Israel and deported on Saturday, 5 April 2025.
The MPs, who represent Earley and Woodley and Sheffield Central respectively, were stopped at Ben Gurion Airport upon arrival from Luton. According to the Israeli immigration ministry, the MPs were suspected of intending to “document the activities of security forces and spread anti-Israel hatred.” The ministry accused them of falsely presenting their trip as an “official parliamentary delegation.”
Israel’s Justification for the Deportation
The Israeli authorities cited concerns over public order and security, alleging that the MPs had a history of “calling for a boycott and promoting sanctions against Israeli ministers.” The Israeli UK embassy stated that the pair’s visit aimed to “harm Israeli citizens” during a time of ongoing conflict, referencing the country’s war in Gaza.
Under Israeli law, the state reserves the right to bar individuals deemed a security threat, a policy that the embassy compared to similar practices in the UK.
MPs Contest the Allegations
Yang and Mohamed have strongly denied the accusations, stating that their visit was planned to observe humanitarian projects in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement, the MPs said:
“It is vital that parliamentarians witness first-hand the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. This unprecedented step by Israeli authorities is deeply concerning.”
Both MPs have been vocal in Parliament regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and criticizing settlement policies. Yang, a prominent advocate for sanctions against ministers promoting Gaza settlements, and Mohamed, the first British Yemeni MP, have consistently supported Palestinian rights.
UK Government’s Response
Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the deportation, calling it “unacceptable and deeply concerning.” He asserted that British parliamentarians should be able to travel freely to Israel, adding:
“I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British parliamentarians.”
Labour Friends of Israel criticized the decision as “counterproductive,” while Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, described it as an “insult to Britain.”
However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended Israel’s right to control its borders, implying that the MPs’ history of criticism towards Israel might have influenced the decision. Lammy labeled her comments as “disgraceful,” arguing that such logic could justify similar actions against Conservative MPs abroad.
Political and Public Backlash
The incident has stirred strong reactions online, with opinions divided. Some supported Israel’s decision, while others condemned it as an attack on democratic dialogue. The situation highlights the complexities of UK-Israel relations, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen thousands of casualties.
Broader Context and Implications
This incident marks the first time Israel has barred entry to British MPs, raising concerns about diplomatic fallout. The UK government, historically maintaining support for Israel while advocating for peace, now faces pressure from Labour MPs pushing for stronger pro-Palestinian stances.
As the situation unfolds, both countries are carefully navigating the aftermath of this diplomatic clash. The UK Foreign Office has pledged to support the MPs, who returned to the UK on Sunday, and has requested further explanations from Israeli authorities.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
