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Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang: Denying MPs entry to Israel 'unacceptable', says Lammy | |
(33 minutes later) | |
Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang | Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang |
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has criticised Israeli authorities after two Labour MPs were denied entry to the country, describing the move as "unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning". | |
Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang were refused entry because they intended to spread "hateful rhetoric" against Israel, the Israeli population and immigration authority said in a statement reported by Israeli media. | |
Lammy said: "I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British Parliamentarians." | |
He said the foreign office had been in touch with both MPs to offer support. | |
Ms Yang, MP for Earley and Woodley, and Ms Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central, flew to the country from Luton airport on Saturday with two aides, according to reports. | Ms Yang, MP for Earley and Woodley, and Ms Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central, flew to the country from Luton airport on Saturday with two aides, according to reports. |
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel denied entry to all four individuals following an interrogation, the population authority said according to the Times of Israel. | Interior Minister Moshe Arbel denied entry to all four individuals following an interrogation, the population authority said according to the Times of Israel. |
The paper reported Israel had not verified the arrival of an official visit but in a statement the UK Foreign Office confirmed the group was part of a parliamentary delegation. | The paper reported Israel had not verified the arrival of an official visit but in a statement the UK Foreign Office confirmed the group was part of a parliamentary delegation. |
"The UK 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," Lammy said in a statement. | |
The BBC has approached the Israeli population and immigration authority for comment. |