Keir Starmer expressed regret over his previous statement of being pleased about democracy activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s return to the UK, following the resurfacing of disturbing social media posts. The Prime Minister voiced frustration over not being informed earlier about the “abhorrent” posts made by the British-Egyptian dual national dating back to 2010, where he seemed to advocate violence against Zionists and the police.
El-Fattah, a prominent figure in the Arab Spring protests, entered the UK on Boxing Day after the lifting of a travel ban upon his release from prison. Although he has apologized for his remarks, calls from Tory and Reform politicians to revoke his citizenship have been made, despite current indications suggesting no such action will be taken.
Last week, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper initiated a review concerning “serious information failures” that led to senior officials being unaware of the controversial posts.
When questioned about offering an apology, Starmer acknowledged his regret on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, acknowledging the failure within the system and the need for corrective measures.
El-Fattah obtained UK citizenship in December 2021 under then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. His imprisonment on charges of spreading false news was deemed a violation of international law by UN investigators. He was eventually pardoned by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi in September after persistent lobbying from both Conservative and Labour governments.
Upon his arrival in the UK on December 26, El-Fattah reunited with his son residing in Brighton. He has since expressed remorse for his past comments, attributing them to youthful frustration during regional crises and police brutality against Egyptian youth.
Downing Street characterized the posts as “abhorrent” but acknowledged El-Fattah’s apology as comprehensive. The PM’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of upholding religious and political freedoms while condemning the nature of the historical tweets.
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