Israel says the British MPs it held for eight hours and barred from the West Bank gave 'false information' about their visit

Israel's embassy claimed the cross-party group had given border officials misleading information about the purpose of their visit and had declined to cooperate — an account that flatly contradicts what the politicians themselves have said. Labour MP Clive Lewis, SNP MP Lara Bird and Scottish Greens MSP Kate Nevens were held at the Jordan crossing on Monday before being turned away entirely. The following day, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told the Commons the government had taken up the matter with Israeli authorities.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton accused the MPs of 'political grandstanding' and ignoring Foreign Office advice against travel to the West Bank.

The 23-strong Progressive International delegation had planned meetings with Palestinian academics and intended to join the olive harvest, which they say has faced 'mounting attacks'.

MSP Kate Nevens called the ordeal 'frightening', adding that what the group experienced was 'only a small fraction of the terrifying reality Palestinians face' at the same border.