Gary SpeddingVerified account

Unfortunately, they were quite adamant that I had to get on the flight. I will of course be appealing the decision (again) but on further advice from legal side it was deemed best to fly back to UK and not further antagonise interior ministry. I rejected the refused entry order.https://twitter.com/ntarnopolsky/status/1084866931939782657 …

After having been surrounded by approximately 7 Israeli security, told I was ‘standing up or we will make you stand up’ they have brought me to a flight to send me back to the United Kingdom. I’ve still not been told what airport I’m being sent to at the moment.

I will fight this refusal to allow me entry and reject the deportation order against me. I’m also aware there will likely be some pretty nasty trolling, allegations and insults thrown my way. Fortunately my phone is soon to be confiscated so I don’t have to read it.

I had hoped to meet with Israeli colleagues and civil society to discuss lessons and experience regarding peace building in Northern Ireland. This was meant to be part of a series of meaningful discussions with Israelis and Palestinians.

Support for Palestinian human rights, justice and peace in a shared future is not a crime. Recognising the value of Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs as being equal is not grounds for refusing my entry.

Democratic countries do not politically police their borders in order to attack critics of the government. I repeat that I am not a threat to Israel. I have worked constantly to fight antisemitism and hatred of Israel for many years.

This paranoia surrounding who is permitted & who is denied entry is absurd. There are no clear criteria which means decisions are arbitrary and politically biased. I refuse to be intimidated. If Israel wishes to maintain its democratic character it must let me continue my travel.

I wish to put on public record that I am not a member of the BDS movement and do not actively advocate for a boycott of Israel. I support the democratic right of others to boycott but I do not participate myself.

Preventing a person who poses no security threat to the State of Israel or to ordinary Israelis is a scandal. It is an anti-democratic move designed to intimidate, isolate and silence critical voices.

By detaining me at the border the Israeli officials are interfering with an entirely legitimate and planned visit to Israel. I wrote ahead to @IsraelinUK and @MarkRegev - I have invitations from civil society organisations and had planned to meet members of Knesset.

I’ve just been detained upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport by officials from the border agency. After 3 hours of interrogation they have decided to refuse my entry. This comes after abiding by a 5 year long ban from Israel and following all correct procedures.

אאבק בסירוב הכניסה שלי לארץ ובצו ההרחקה נגדי

אני מביא איתי ניסיון ותובנות בנוגע לתהליכי הפיוס בצפון אירלנד. מדוע ישראל כה מפחדת מהאפשרות שאנהל דו שיח משמעותי עם ישראלים ופלסטינים ?