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1,541 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansAccountability is vital, and I am indeed outraged by the reports.07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansMy hon. Friend speaks about our colleagues with real warmth, which I know is felt right across the House. That has been referred to not just by those on the Government Benches,…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansTo be clear, they were granted entry clearance, rather than a visa. The distinction may seem academic to this House, given that both would have permitted my hon. Friends to travel…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansAs I have said, the Opposition should give this issue long and hard consideration. It should not be a complex question for this House, given the circumstances of events this…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansAs I have said, one of the appealing elements of Israeli democracy is its free press and vibrant debate, and I know that many Members of this House have benefited from vibrant…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI have spoken already about the importance of the free press, safe travel for journalists and, indeed, parliamentary delegations.07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI have told the House the stated basis that my two hon. Friends were given for their refusal, and I will not pass further comment on what might or might not be behind that. As I…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansIt is for Israel to decide whom it grants entry to, but any British national travelling overseas, regardless of their faith, can expect consular assistance from the Foreign Office.07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI am conscious of the time. We have expressed our concerns about this incident in the way that I described, and I expect to have further discussions with members of the Israeli…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansAs I have said, I think the decision was counterproductive.07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI have talked about the position relating to arms sales, and I will not rehearse the arguments that were heard in the Chamber so recently. I agree with my hon. Friend that we all…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansIsrael remains an open society with a vibrant press, who were reporting on this incident as it happened. I hope that this proves to be an aberration, and that Members of this…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI am sure that we will have an opportunity to discuss events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in further detail. I thank my hon. Friend for his dedication and…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansThe British Government do consider the west bank and the Gaza strip to be Occupied Palestinian Territories.07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI agree with my hon. Friend’s characterisation of the grace and dignity with which the two Members have comported themselves over what has been a trying 24 hours, and I am sure we…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI hope that such delegations will continue in the future, and I will talk to the Israeli Government to that effect.07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI do agree. The public expect that their MPs will go and see for themselves. This was an important delegation, and I am sure that the constituents of my two colleagues would have…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI have already spoken about the importance of parliamentary delegations, and I hope that they continue. I hope, too, that the free press of Israel—and, indeed, the whole…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansThe Foreign Office and the embassy in Tel Aviv, and the consulates in Jerusalem, will give support to all British nationals seeking to travel. They supported our colleagues on…07 Apr 2025HANSARD Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK ParliamentariansI agree that parliamentary delegations are important.07 Apr 2025