Kemi Badenoch Faces Backlash for Backing Israel's Entry Ban on UK MPs

In a recent controversy, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has come under fire from various political factions after she endorsed Israel’s decision to deny entry to UK Labour MPs Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang. The MPs intended to visit the occupied West Bank to observe the situation on the ground when they were unexpectedly stopped at the airport. Badenoch defended Israel’s actions, stating it has the right to control its borders, and emphasized the significance of having UK MPs that other nations refuse to allow entry.

In her comments during a BBC interview, she stated, “Countries should be able to control their borders” and expressed concern over Labour MPs being barred from certain countries, underlining that this is a serious matter. Her remarks drew immediate criticism. Foreign Secretary David Lammy labeled her comments as “disgraceful,” while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused her of demonstrating poor judgment. The backlash continued with Tory MP Richard Fuller advocating for the privilege of MPs to travel abroad without hindrance, highlighting that democracy itself can be threatened globally.

The Israeli immigration authority stated that the MPs were turned away based on suspicions that they planned to document how the Israeli security forces operate, a claim that Badenoch highlighted as a justification for the denial. As criticism mounted, Badenoch compared Israel to China, arguing that the former is a democratic ally of the UK. She also suggested that Labour MPs prioritize national interests rather than pursuing controversial foreign agendas.

In contrast, several politicians from both the Labour party and the Conservatives urged for a united front in supporting MPs on international visits, regardless of their political affiliation. Dame Emily Thornberry, the chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed her disbelief at Badenoch’s stance, stating it is crucial to stand in solidarity with parliamentarians undertaking legitimate inquiries into global issues.

Fuller, echoing these sentiments, noted the importance of MPs being informed about international situations to better serve their constituencies. His comments serve to underscore a commitment to democracy and freedom, both of which he believes are at stake. The broader political implications of this incident raise concerns about diplomatic relations and the treatment of lawmakers on official visits.