Ed Miliband ‘deeply concerned’ after MPs detained by Israel and barred from entering West Bank

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Foreign secretary Ed Miliband has said he was "deeply concerned" after British politicians reported being detained for eight hours by Israeli officials and turned back from the West Bank . Clive Lewis of Labour, the SNP’s Lara Bird, and Scottish Greens MSP Kate Nevens stated they were interrogated and refused entry on Monday.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr Miliband confirmed that the Government has formally raised the matter with Israeli authorities. The parliamentarians were visiting as part of a mission organised by the political movement Progressive International, alongside former MP Sam Tarry and Spanish senator Josu Estarrona Elizondo. The group was stopped after crossing from Jordan. They had intended to conduct "a programme of meetings with Palestinian academics, students and civil society organisations" and support the olive harvest following reported "mounting attacks" on regional farmers.

In Parliament, Labour MP Dr Simon Opher (Stroud) asked if the Foreign Secretary would join him in condemning the refusal to allow the delegates entry into the territory. open image in gallery Labour’s Clive Lewis and the SNP’s Lara Bird, along with MSP Kate Nevens of the Scottish Greens, said they were interrogated and denied access to the territory on Monday ( AFP/Getty ) Mr Miliband responded: “We are obviously deeply concerned about the denial of entry to the West Bank for two Members of Parliament, and I believe one member of the Scottish Parliament as well.

“We have raised this issue with the Israeli authorities and been in touch with the MPs to offer assistance. “More broadly, it’s very, very important that members of this House, as they go about their business – not just in the UK but internationally – have free access so that they can actually do their duties.” In a post on X, Norwich South MP 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.

“The simple truth is we had done nothing wrong. “We went to show our support for the Palestinian people and highlight the terrible injustice and violence being perpetrated against them. “We want to ensure that people back home do not look away from the reality of what is happening. “Ultimately, we went to show solidarity. But we left with an even greater determination to speak out. “We will not be silenced, and we will not look away. None of us should.” open image in gallery Lara Bird was elected earlier this year to the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat on Scotland’s east coast ( PA Wire ) Ms Bird – who was elected earlier this year to the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat on Scotland’s east coast – posted: “I came to stand alongside Palestinians being attacked for harvesting olives on their own land.

Instead, we were turned away, with no reason given. “More than ever, Palestinians are being subject to terror and violence by the IDF and illegal settlers. “Increased blockades, demolitions and unthinkable violence have become the norm for Palestinians in the West Bank. “It is more important now than ever that we bear witness and show our solidarity.” open image in gallery Kate Nevens was along the politicans who were interrogated and denied access to the territory on Monday ( Getty ) Reports suggest the two MPs could have sought permission to access the West Bank from the Israeli government.

Green MSP Ms Nevens added: “We had travelled to the West Bank to stand in solidarity with Palestinians facing escalating violence, and to join the olive harvesters. “We went to bear witness, to listen to Palestinian communities and to help shine a light on the abuses taking place. “The Israeli forces didn’t want us to see the demolished homes, or the settlers inflicting so much misery or the day to day indignities that are so central to the occupation.”

The Foreign Office and Israeli embassy have been contacted for comment.