Ministers must shun Israeli president, say Labour MPs

Government ministers have been urged not to meet the president of Israel when he travels to the UK next week.

- SOPHIE WINGATE DAVID LYNCH

The visit of Isaac Herzog has sparked outrage among many Labour MPs at a time when the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and Israel presses ahead with another major major military offensive. Mr Herzog is expected to arrive in the UK on Wednesday for a two-day stay.

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer condemned the “terrible situation” in the strip this week, and before the UK intends to recognise a Palestinian state later this month.

Labour MPs have demanded the government does not meet the Israeli leader. Sarah Champion, Labour chair of the international development select committee, wrote on X: “Israel’s president to visit London next Thursday for expected talks with ministers. I really hope this is inaccurate.

“The UK’s recognised the ‘real risk’ of genocide perpetuated by Israel, so unless this meeting is about peace – what message are we sending.”