MPs Debate Israeli Influence in British Politics After 118,500 Sign Petition

MPs debated the influence of the Israel lobby on UK politics after more than 118,500 people signed a petition calling for an inquiry. 

The debate, which took place on July 22, follows the government rejecting calls for such a probe. 

“We are concerned about reported Israeli state-linked and pro-Israel lobbying activity in UK politics. We believe it is important to determine the scope and impact of any such influence campaigns,” the petition read.

“We feel that the horrific devastation in Gaza, the ongoing suppression of Palestinians in the West Bank and the UK’s political response underline the urgent need to scrutinise how pro-Israel organisations, networks and lobbying efforts may shape government decisions, party policy and public debate.”

The first three Labour MPs to speak – Alex Davies-Jones, Gareth Snell and Peter Prinsley – all said there shouldn’t be an inquiry. 

Prinsley, who breached declaration of interests rules “inadvertently” over a Labour Friends of Israel-funded trip to Israel in 2025, called the petition a “regurgitation of antisemitic tropes”. 

However, two Labour MPs – Kim Johnson and Tahir Ali – did speak in favour of an inquiry.

Ayoub Khan, independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, said: “For millions up and down this country, the government’s approach towards Israel has defied the most basic logic of justice and humanity.

“Continued arm sales amid mass extermination, the weaponisation of terrorism laws, silencing dissent, the welcoming of wanted war criminals on the steps of 10 Downing Street – with every decision this government has made, it’s not only reasonable to ask questions about political influence in Britain, it’s necessary.”

Khan called out “the transactional nature of donations”, adding: “Anyone who claims that these donors receive nothing in return is being naive.” 

Iqbal Mohamed, independent MP for Dewsbury and Batley, raised that 13 of the then 25 members of the Labour cabinet received hundreds of thousands in donations from pro-Israel donors.

Scottish Conservative MP John Lamont who opened the debate, claimed the idea of the Israel lobby was “rooted in conspiracy theory” and said the country was being “uniquely singled out”. 

However, Mohamed highlighted that Israel did not get a single mention in the Rycroft review into foreign interference published in March.