Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK Parliamentarians Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateKirsteen Sullivan
Main Page: Kirsteen Sullivan (Labour (Co-op) - Bathgate and Linlithgow)Department Debates - View all Kirsteen Sullivan's debates with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
(6 months, 3 weeks ago)
Commons Chamber Mr Falconer
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Mr Falconer 
        
    
        
    
        It is for Israel to decide whom it grants entry to, but any British national travelling overseas, regardless of their faith, can expect consular assistance from the Foreign Office.
 Kirsteen Sullivan (Bathgate and Linlithgow) (Lab/Co-op)
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Kirsteen Sullivan (Bathgate and Linlithgow) (Lab/Co-op) 
        
    
        
    
        I thank the Minister for his statement. I applaud the dignity with which my hon. Friends have responded, and the solidarity from many Members of different parties. I commend the statement made by my hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Helen Hayes), who spoke so powerfully about the importance and impact of parliamentary delegations. Does the Minister agree that democracy is weakened if parliamentarians cannot undertake such visits and duties at a time when the need for scrutiny has never been greater?
 Mr Falconer
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Mr Falconer 
        
    
        
    
        I agree that parliamentary delegations are important.