MP attacks Israel's travel bans

Israeli travel restrictions have concerned MPs

Israeli curbs on travel to Palestinian territories were described as "unlawful and immoral" by an MP on Tuesday.

The restrictions affect media, aid and human rights groups as well as visiting parliamentarians wanting to travel to the occupied territories.

Junior Foreign Office minister Bill Rammell said the Government was "seriously concerned" by the matter.

And Labour MP Richard Burdern said: "It is important that British MPs are able to see things for themselves."

"These kinds of movement restrictions are not only unlawful, they're immoral," Mr Burden said.

'Serious consequences'

Labour's Michael Connarty urged the government to step up the pressure on Israel, saying the restrictions were "an attempt by the Israeli state to shatter any authority of the Palestinian Authority".

Mr Rammell agreed the travel ban would have "serious consequences for those who are attempting to work and report from the occupied territories".

And he added: "The restrictions could seriously disrupt the supply of essential emergency provisions for the most vulnerable people in the Palestinian territories."

Mr Rammell promised the Foreign Office would continue to work "vigorously" to resolve the problem.