Downing Street has condemned Israel after it denied entry to two Labour MPs over the weekend.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said No 10 had been in touch with Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed to offer support after they were deported on Saturday.

It comes after David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, clashed with Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, over the row and accused her of “cheerleading” for Benjamin Netanyahu’s country.

Mrs Badenoch defended Israel’s right to deny Ms Yang and Ms Mohamed entry, which the Israeli immigration ministry justified by claiming they planned to spread “anti-Israel hatred”.

‘Our focus is on securing a return to the ceasefire’

Asked for Sir Keir Starmer’s view on the row, his spokesman said: “You’ve got the Foreign Secretary’s words which the Prime Minister would echo.

“We think it’s counterproductive and deeply concerning, two British MPs on a parliamentary delegation being detained and refused entry. We don’t think it’s the way to treat British parliamentarians and we’ve been in contact with both MPs to offer our support.

“Our focus is on securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages and end the conflict.”