Badenoch Faces Backlash Over MPs Denied Entry to Israel

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, expressed support for Israel's decision to deny entry to Labour MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, claiming that Israel was justified in controlling its borders. The MPs were reportedly blocked due to suspicions that they intended to document Israeli security forces and promote anti-Israel sentiment during their fact-finding mission. Badenoch's comments drew sharp criticism from Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who accused her of 'cheerleading' Israel's actions against British parliamentarians. Lammy emphasized the importance of allowing MPs to travel freely to understand international issues, regardless of party affiliation. The Labour MPs responded by asserting the necessity for parliamentarians to witness the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory without fear of deportation. This incident has sparked a broader debate on the treatment of MPs abroad and the implications for free speech.