Press Release: Denying entry to British MPs shows how far Israel will go to cover up what is happening in the West Bank - 17 September 2025
Caabu deeply regrets the decision of the Israeli authorities to deny entry to two British MPs on a Caabu delegation to the occupied West Bank. The two Labour MPs were both due to enter on 15 September. The official reason was that this was for “public security or public safety or public order considerations” but it was not explained how two MPs would somehow be a threat to security or public order. This is the second time this year Israel has barred a Parliamentary delegation and raises serious questions about access to occupied territory and what Israel is trying to hide.
Simon Opher MP and Peter Prinsley MP are both doctors who were going to the West Bank on a delegation to see humanitarian and developmental projects as well as to meet with Palestinian civil society. They were also scheduled to meet international aid agencies and UN bodies as well as the British Consul-General. Caabu has been organising such delegations for over 30 years, and has taken senior politicians from all parties including current members of the cabinet and other ministers.
Caabu Chair Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP said: “As one of the many MPs who has benefited hugely from a Caabu delegation to the West Bank, it is deeply troubling that Israel has started blocking MPs from entering. It is yet a further example of behaviour that one should not expect from a country the government sees as an ally.”
Talking to the BBC, Caabu Director, Chris Doyle said that it was "important that British politicians get to see the situation on the ground at a very serious time to determine what's going on. It allows them to assess that situation and British policy towards it".
Such delegations are a vital part of allowing British politicians to assess for themselves what is happening on the ground not least given the dire nature of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Gaza has already been totally cut off from the outside world, to journalists, to diplomats, human rights advocates. It appears that Israel has similar plans for the West Bank.
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Notes to editors:
1) For more information or interviews contact Chris Doyle on +44 (0)7968 040281
