UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended Israel’s expulsion of two Labour MPs, sparking backlash from opposition parties for undermining parliamentary rights.
As reported by The Guardian, tensions between Labour and the Tories escalated after Kemi Badenoch endorsed Israel’s move to deport two MPs.
What did Kemi Badenoch say about Israel’s deportation of MPs?
Ms Badenoch, commenting on the deportation of two MPs visiting humanitarian projects in the West Bank, said,
“I think that every country should be able to control its borders, and that’s what Israel is doing, as far as I understand.”
She understood they
“were coming in to do something that they were not allowed to do, and so I respect that decision”.
What did David Lammy say about the expulsion of Labour MPs?
A foreign secretary, David Lammy, slammed Israel’s move to expel Labour MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, stating that he had addressed the matter with relevant Israeli officials.
He criticized the Tory leader’s remark that “every country should be able to control its borders,” which was contradicted by a shadow minister.
In response, Mr Lammy posted on X,
“It’s disgraceful you are cheerleading another country for detaining and deporting two British MPs. Do you say the same about Tory MPs banned from China?
He added,
“This government will continue to stand up for the rights of our MPs to speak their mind, whatever their party.”
Mr Lammy stated,
“It is unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning that two British MPs on a parliamentary delegation to Israel have been detained and refused entry by the Israeli authorities.”
He continued,
“I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British parliamentarians, and we have been in contact with both MPs tonight to offer our support. The UK government’s focus remains on securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages and end the conflict in Gaza.”
Emily Thornberry’s views on Kemi Badenoch’s remarks
Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and Foreign Affairs Committee chair, stated she was “completely gobsmacked” after learning about the expulsion of two party MPs.
She added,
“This is nonsense. You have to stand up for what’s right, Kemi Badenoch, and you should stand in solidarity with other parliamentarians who were just going to Israel and the West Bank to find out what was going on.”
According to Thornberry, this was the first instance Israel had denied access to MPs. The MPs, Yang and Mohamed, were traveling with a delegation organized by Caabu and MAP, which had organized similar visits to the West Bank for over a decade.
What did Kemi Badenoch say in response to Lammy’s criticism?
Ms Badenoch criticised Mr Lammy on X, saying,
“Unlike China, Israel is our ally and a democracy. A good foreign sec would be able to make that distinction.”
She added,
“Perhaps Labour MPs could put UK national interest first and do their jobs instead of campaigning for airports in Kashmir or promoting Hamas propaganda in parliament.”
Unlike China, Israel is our ally and a democracy. A good Foreign Sec would be able to make that distinction.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) April 6, 2025
Perhaps Labour MPs could put UK national interest first and do their jobs instead of campaigning for airports in Kashmir or promoting Hamas propaganda in parliament. https://t.co/lLd5aNtCHU
What did Richard Fuller say about MPs’ Official trips and democracy?
In response to continuing the expulsion of Labour MPs, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury argued MPs should be welcomed on official visits, stating,
“Any member of parliament who goes on an official trip should be, I would think, welcomed in any country.”
He said,
“They’re going there to be better informed about the situation and then report back to their parliamentary colleagues about what they have found.”
Responding to concerns about authoritarianism, Mr Fuller emphasized the importance of democracy, stating,
“I think we should all be very worried about democracy. Democracy isn’t a guarantee in life. Freedom isn’t guaranteed.”