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UK government leaders are facing backlash after publicly welcoming on Friday the arrival of Egyptian political activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah to Britain, despite his documented history of endorsing violence against Jews, Israelis, white people, and police..
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “delighted” that El-Fattah had arrived in the UK andwas reunited with his family after nearly twelve years in Eyptian prison. The release followed a pardon by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Starmer described the case as a priority for his government and thanked Egyptian authorities for their role.
Soon after the announcement, El-Fattah’s past statements resurfaced. Those remarks raised immediate questions about vetting, public safety, and the British government’s stance on antisemitism.
Past Statements Promote Violence
Over several years, El-Fattah used social media to praise violence against Israelis and Zionists. In multiple posts, he described killing Zionists as “heroic” and wrote that he felt joy when they died.
He also expressed hatred toward white people. In earlier posts, he said he hated white people outright. In others, he argued that fear among white men should increase and suggested random shootings as a means to do so.
El-Fattah also endorsed violence against police. He praised attacks on officers and urged unrest during protests. In one instance, he encouraged people to burn parts of London or target police.
These views were known long before his arrival in Britain. In 2014, disclosure of similar statements led to the withdrawal of his nomination for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Jewish Groups Raise Safety Concerns
British Jewish organizations responded with alarm to the government’s public celebration.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews warned that El-Fattah’s rhetoric could endanger public safety. Senior Vice President Adrian Cohen called on the government to clarify whether El-Fattah still held these views. He also demanded assurances for the safety of Jewish citizens and the wider public.
“The social media history that has emerged from Alaa abd El-Fattah is of profound concern… The cross-party campaign for such a person, and the warm welcome issued by the Government, demonstrate a broken system with an astonishing lack of due diligence by the authorities.” pic.twitter.com/E8j4eCbbFR
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) December 28, 2025
The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) said it was appalled by the welcome El-Fattah received. The council argued that the government’s response clashed with repeated promises to confront antisemitism. It warned that many British Jews would see the episode as deeply troubling.
Political Criticism and Due Diligence Questions
Opposition figures also challenged the government’s handling of the case. Conservative MP Robert Jenrick asked whether ministers knew about El-Fattah’s past statements before endorsing his return. He also questioned whether the prime minister condemned calls to burn Downing Street or attack police.
Support for El-Fattah’s release previously crossed party lines. Even so, the Board of Deputies said the official welcome exposed a serious lack of due diligence.
The government has not said whether it reviewed El-Fattah’s views before his arrival. It has also not stated whether he has renounced them. For now, Jewish groups and lawmakers continue to demand clear answers and concrete safeguards.
The leader of the UK @Keir_Starmer is a global embarrassment. First, he claims he had no knowledge of El-Farrah’s evil published views.
Now that he is aware that El-Farrah has called for the death of the English and the Jews, Starmer still chooses to not take down his post… https://t.co/VIj1qQttQV
— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) December 29, 2025
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