Nigel Farage has reacted with fury after a Jewish group raised concerns that survivors of the October 7 attack on the Re’Im Music Festival were discriminated against by UK Border Force.
Yesterday, the Jewish Representative Council requested an urgent investigation amid claims that the only reason the passengers had been detained and interrogated “was because they [were] Israeli”.
The JRC also claimed that upon being released after two hours, one officer said: “They had to make sure that you are not going to do what you are doing in Gaza over here”.
This evening Nigel Farage claimed he now feels a “shift in attitudes towards Israel and Israelis” by Britain, and played the blame at David Cameron’s door.
Speaking on GB News, Mr Farage said: “Historically, we have always been a great friend of Israel”.
“Indeed, it was the Balfour Declaration in 1917 that set the blueprint for what we then saw emerge after World War Two, the State of Israel.
“And we have been steadfast supporters of that country, as indeed have the Americans.
“But something significant has changed since October 7th and last night, at the UN Security Council we were one of the countries that voted for a ceasefire. Now I’m pleased to say the one good thing was that it did demand the unconditional release of the hostages.
“But it’s still surprising, given that it is stated Israeli policy that they will go after the Hamas terrorists, that we voted for that resolution in many ways.
He accused Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron of shifting Britain’s position, and said that the incident at Manchester airport is proof.
Mr Farage fumed: “I bet nobody who comes into Dover gets spoken to like that!”
“I sense that there is a growing prejudice against Israel and the people from Israel beginning to run right through our public services.
“Now I’m all for Border Force doing their job; I’m all for strong borders. But if what has been claimed is true, that is pretty disgraceful stuff”.
Mr Farage asked whether Britain is now betraying Israel, and warned that was how it felt to the Israelis.
“I see it from Lord Cameron right the way down through Border Force and our public services.”
Last night, Home Secretary James Cleverly promised that the Government is investigating JRC’s claims.
Mr Cleverly warned: “We do not tolerate antisemitism or any form of discrimination”.
“This incident will be handled in line with our disciplinary procedures.”
