Israel will never stop me speaking up for Palestine

Israel’s decision to bar British MPs exposes how far it will go to avoid scrutiny over its treatment of Palestinians.Member of UK Parliament for Islington North.Published On 10 Sep 202610 Sep 2026Over my lifetime, it’s been my privilege to visit Palestine on several different occasions. I’ve witnessed what Palestinians endure on a daily basis. Endless checkpoints. Manned watchtowers. Arbitrary arrests. Violent settlers. This is the daily reality of apartheid, which dictates who can and cannot move freely. This is how Israel’s occupation operates, denying any vestige of autonomy to the occupied. This is the daily rhythm of Palestinian life.In Gaza, the Israeli occupation controls most of what goes in and out. Its illegal blockade has resulted in the mass starvation and displacement of Palestinians. As more and more people have woken up to the genocide in Gaza, Israel has also denied entry to UN investigators and international journalists – a transparent attempt to stop the world from finding out the full extent of the war crimes it has committed. Do not forget the thousands of Palestinian refugees, as well, who are still denied the right to return.This is the real scandal. The Israe...