Mps Detained By Israel And Barred From Entering West Bank

Foreign secretary Ed Miliband has said he was “deeply concerned” after British politicians reported being detained for eight hours by Israeli officials and turned back from the West Bank.

Clive Lewis of Labour, the SNP’s Lara Bird, and Scottish Greens MSP Kate Nevens stated they were interrogated and refused entry on Monday.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr Miliband confirmed that the Government has formally raised the matter with Israeli authorities.

The parliamentarians were visiting as part of a mission organised by the political movement Progressive International, alongside former MP Sam Tarry and Spanish senator Josu Estarrona Elizondo.

The group was stopped after crossing from Jordan. They had intended to conduct “a programme of meetings with Palestinian academics, students and civil society organisations” and support the olive harvest following reported “mounting attacks” on regional farmers.

In Parliament, Labour MP Dr Simon Opher (Stroud) asked if the Foreign Secretary would join him in condemning the refusal to allow the delegates entry into the territory.

Mr Miliband responded: “We are obviously deeply concerned about the denial of entry to the West Bank for two Members of Parliament, and I believe one member of the Scottish Parliament as well.

“We have raised this issue with the Israeli authorities and been in touch with the MPs to offer assistance.

“More broadly, it’s very, very important that members of this House, as they go about their business – not just in the UK but internationally – have free access so that they can actually do their duties.”

In a post on X, Norwich South MP Mr Lewis said: “For more than eight hours, we were held, interrogated and made to feel as though we had done something wrong simply by attempting to enter.

“The simple truth is we had done nothing wrong.

“We went to show our support for the Palestinian people and highlight the terrible injustice and violence being perpetrated against them.

“We want to ensure that people back home do not look away from the reality of what is happening.

“Ultimately, we went to show solidarity. But we left with an even greater determination to speak out.

“We will not be silenced, and we will not look away. None of us should.”

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