In a move that should alarm anyone who believes in democratic principles and the sovereignty of the British Parliament, two British Labour MPs — Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed — were denied entry and deported by Israel earlier this month, despite holding proper clearance and travelling on official business. Their mission: to visit humanitarian aid projects in the West Bank — a purpose squarely within the remit of elected representatives who must stay informed on international issues that deeply concern their constituents.
What followed was swift and justified condemnation from across the political spectrum. Except, notably, from the Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch.
Instead of upholding the principle that British Members of Parliament should be able to carry out their official duties free from foreign interference, Kemi Badenoch chose to defend Israel’s decision, stating that ‘every country should be able to control its borders.’ This assertion overlooks a fundamental point of international law: the West Bank is not sovereign Israeli territory. The exclusion of British MPs from entering the occupied Palestinian territory was not a standard exercise of border control; it was a politically motivated act designed to suppress legitimate scrutiny and dissent. In prioritising her defence of Israel, Badenoch disregarded established norms concerning non-interference, territorial sovereignty, and the responsibilities of occupying powers under international law.
Even the UK government, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Minister Hamish Falconer, condemned Israel’s actions. Falconer rightly called the deportation “deeply concerning” and noted that this kind of treatment harms Israel’s standing as a democratically. He’s right — because democracies do not behave this way. Democracies do not punish elected representatives for their political views. Democracies do not hide from scrutiny.
It is essential to emphasize that support for our MPs in this case is not a partisan issue — nor should it be framed as anti-Israel or anti-anyone. It is about protecting the integrity of our democracy and the fundamental right of MPs to speak, travel, and investigate matters of global concern without fear of foreign reprisal.
Abtisam Mohamed put it best: “This act was not just a diplomatic affront. It wasn’t about security — it was about control and censorship.” And that is exactly why Badenoch’s stance is so damaging. To cheerlead for the suppression of our own MPs sets a dangerous precedent. It sends a message that party loyalty or international alliances matter more than standing up for the rights of our elected representatives.
This was a moment that called for unity — and it is heartening that so many MPs, including Conservatives like Richard Fuller, recognized the gravity of the situation. Fuller was right to say that any MP on an official trip should be welcomed by any nation, and that “democracy isn’t guaranteed. Freedom isn’t guaranteed.”
It is precisely in moments like these that we must defend both. The British public should expect — no, demand — that all UK political leaders stand up for our Parliament and those who serve in it. Kemi Badenoch’s failure to do so is more than poor judgment. It is a fundamental abdication of leadership.
When a foreign government seeks to dictate which MPs it deems acceptable, that is not just an affront to those individuals — it is an affront to all of us. And we must respond accordingly: by speaking with one voice, and standing firmly behind our representatives.
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