British politicians held by Israeli authorities at West Bank border

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 12:08 · Archive

British politicians including SNP and Labour MPs were held for eight hours after attempting to enter the West Bank from Jordan.

A cross-party delegation of British and European politicians was held by Israeli authorities for eight hours after attempting to enter the West Bank from Jordan. The group included SNP MP Lara Bird, Labour MP Clive Lewis, and ex-Labour MP Sam Tarry, who were travelling as part of a Progressive International delegation.

The politicians said they had intended to meet Palestinian students, civil society leaders and olive farmers. Ms Bird stated the group was 'denied entry' with 'no reason given'. Mr Lewis said they were 'interrogated and made to feel as though we had done something wrong simply by attempting to enter'.

In social media posts, both politicians expressed their intention to show solidarity with Palestinians. Ms Bird said: 'I came to stand alongside Palestinians being attacked for harvesting olives on their own land. Instead, we were turned away.' Mr Lewis added: 'We went to show our support for the Palestinian people and highlight the terrible injustice and violence being perpetrated against them.' He stated: 'We will not be silenced, and we will not look away.'

How it is being reported

• Labour MP 'detained for eight hours' after being denied access to West BankA Labour MP has claimed he was detained for eight hours after being denied access to the West Bank. Norwich South MP Clive Lewis joined Progressive International's cross-party delegation to travel to the region despite the Israeli military announcing land crossings would be closed amid today's national election. Mr Lewis was accompanied by Scottish National Party MP Lara Bird and ex-Labour MP Sam Tarry. In a social media post, Mr Lewis said: “For more than eight hours, we were held, interrogated and made to feel as though we had done something wrong simply by attempting to enter. TRENDING…GB News · 27 Oct, 11:40
• British politicians held by Israeli authorities after 'trying to enter the West Bank to meet olive farmers'SNP MP Lara Bird, Green MSP Kate Nevens and Labour MP Clive Lewis were held by Israeli authorities after trying to enter the West Bank to meet olive farmers.Daily Mail · 27 Oct, 01:38

In this story: Lara Bird · Clive Lewis · Sam Tarry · Kate Nevens · West Bank · Jordan · Israeli authorities · Progressive International

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem