UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has strongly criticized Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for defending Israel’s decision to deport two British Labour MPs, Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed.
The MPs were denied entry into Israel on Saturday, sparking a diplomatic row.
The Controversy
Badenoch expressed understanding for Israel’s actions, stating that every country has the right to control its borders. However, Lammy condemned her stance, accusing her of “cheerleading” for Israel. He questioned whether she would react similarly if Tory MPs were banned from China.
“It’s disgraceful that you are supporting another country for detaining and deporting two British MPs. Do you feel the same way when Tory MPs are banned from China?”, Lammy said.
Badenoch rebutted by distinguishing between “Israel, a democratic ally, and autocratic regimes like China.”
Meanwhile, Labour MP Emily Thornberry and Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey also slammed Badenoch’s stance, calling it “unbelievably poor judgment”.
