UK's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrew Mitchell responds to treatment of Nova survivors at Manchester airport
Britain's Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell described the treatment of Israelis at the Manchester Airport as "outrageous and despicable."
On Monday, two survivors of the massacre of October 7, who had attended the Nova music festival, were abused by border control officers and detained for hours before being allowed into the country.
"We have to make sure you do not intend to do here what you are doing in Gaza," an officer told them, and also said: "Here we are boss, not you."
"An outrageous, shocking and despicable incident is now being investigated," Michell said in response to a question from Conservative member of Parliament, Michael Ellis, on the matter. "I think everyone will condemn without reservations the extraordinary event, which appears to have taken place in Manchester," he said.
The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region lodged a complaint with immigration authorities and the airport, and demanded an immediate and urgent investigation be launched to ensure that Israeli passport holders are able to travel to the UK without discrimination or delays.
“Upon arrival, when Border Patrol noticed they were traveling with Israeli passports, they were asked why they had come to Manchester,” the group reported.
“They responded that, as survivors of the Nova music festival, they had been invited to share their experiences with the Jewish community in Manchester. They were informed that they would need to be questioned,” according to the Jewish community's statement.
Border control officers abuse Israelis at Manchester airport
In a letter to the home secretary, the Jewish community said the two had saved several lives during the atrocities committed by Hamas on that day and were suffering from PTSD as a result.
The Manchester Airport authorities said they recognized the severity of the accusations and would launch an investigation. Cleverly said in a post that an investigation has been launched. "We do not tolerate antisemitism or any form of discrimination," Cleverly said. “This incident will be handled in line with our disciplinary procedures.”