Forum Topic

Tories 2025 disavow Tories 2021, including themselves. Prefer to heap blame on Starmer

Totally predictably Alaa Abd el-Fattah has come up on the Forum. So I asked AI:-Who gave UK citizenship to Alaa Abd el-Fattah?"Alaa Abd el-Fattah was granted British citizenship in December 2021 while the Conservative Party was in government under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. His citizenship was processed through his mother, Laila Soueif, a London-born mathematics professor. Key details regarding the grant of his citizenship include: Legal Basis: He acquired citizenship through a 2021 change in immigration law that allows mothers to transmit British citizenship to their children born abroad.Home Secretary: Priti Patel served as the Home Secretary at the time the citizenship was granted.Immigration Minister: Chris Philp was the Immigration Minister when the application was approved.Diplomatic Context: The citizenship was sought by his family as a "get out of jail card" to increase diplomatic pressure on Egypt to release him from prison.Following his arrival in the UK in late 2025, several of the officials who initially supported his case—including Chris Philp and other Conservative MPs—have called for his citizenship to be revoked due to the emergence of past social media posts they labeled as "abhorrent"."Also AI:-"Source of "Islamist" Label: In late December 2025, some British media outlets and political figures (such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and MP Robert Jenrick) used the term "alleged Islamist extremist" to describe him. These labels were primarily based on unearthed historical social media posts from 2010–2012 that contained violent rhetoric against Zionists and the police, rather than an adherence to Islamist ideology."Poor Starmer.

David Ainsworth ● 1d33 Comments

You're welcome Ivonne. Happy New Year!While spreading the blame over this man's citizenship and welcome to the UK last week, it beggars belief that no Home Secretary knew about him. He is a prominent political dissident so MI5 and /or MI6 must have known about his online history. It seems  that the PR and lobbying by his family over ruled any sensible decision by the Home Office or indeed successive governments. We now appear to be stuck with him.

Lucille Grant ● 37m

Thank you so much for your reply, Lucille.  I greatly appreciate it!I must admit that I was not aware - or had not followed the case properly - of Alaa Abd el-Fattah until the last few days. It is all so opaque! As you may have gathered, I do not follow Hansard much, if at all.......As for Emily Damari (and other hostages), it is all so blood curdling!

Ivonne Holliday ● 15h

"Over 500 missions in 15 monthsAOAV’s analysis of flight-tracking data shows that between 3 December 2023 and 27 March 2025, the RAF carried out at least 518 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) flights over or close to Gaza’s airspace.Both Labour and Conservative governments have enacted the policy, with at least 215 flights taking place during Keir Starmer’s tenure as prime minister and 303 under Rishi Sunak’s administration.The frequency of flights remained high throughout 2024, with some months seeing as many as 49 sorties. The missions have typically lasted up to six hours, with the longest flight recorded at seven hours and four minutes.While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) claims these flights are solely for locating Israeli hostages held by Hamas, AOAV found that the RAF conducted 24 flights in the two weeks leading up to and including the day of Israel’s deadly attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp on 8 June 2024, which reportedly killed 274 Palestinians and injured over 700. Four Israeli hostages were rescued in the operation; it remains unclear whether British intelligence directly contributed to the attack or was solely used to locate hostages.In another case, an RAF Shadow R1 most likely landed at Israel’s Nevatim Air Base on 13 February 2024 and remained there for two hours before departing. Nevatim is a key Israeli military base and hosts the country’s F-35 squadron, which has carried out extensive airstrikes in Gaza.This is not the only instance where UK ISR flights have coincided with major Israeli military assaults. In the two weeks leading up to Israel’s attack on Rafah on 12 February 2024, which killed at least 67 Palestinians, the RAF flew 15 ISR missions over Gaza. Flights continued even during the so-called ‘limited ceasefire’ in early 2025, with six flights recorded in February alone.With no parliamentary oversight or public scrutiny, it remains unclear how much British intelligence gathered from these flights has been shared with Israel."

David Ainsworth ● 16h

"Indirectly". Shock, horror, outrage - Twitter poster "Indirectly" "probably" kills "a fair number" "no doubt".--------------------------Tom London on Twitter yesterday:-"X and the mainstream media are full of anger at historical tweets by El-FattahMeanwhile, the SILENCE over the continuing GENOCIDE in Gaza, supported and enabled by the UK establishment, is deafening and utterly shameful"

David Ainsworth ● 16h

Ivonne, Hansard has a good record of the lobbying on his behalf that took place in Parliament. Not once, in any debate, were questions raised about his obnoxious and disgraceful online comments. One has to ask the question of both the Tories and Labour, why this were never discussed while the lobbying for his release carried on regardless. Did the Home Office ignore any warnings from MI5? If so, why were warnings not adhered to? A number of Home Secretaries, during both Conservative and Labour administrations, seem to have been oblivious to this man prior to giving him British citizenship because his mother was born here. 'Ala’a Abd el-Fattah, a British-Egyptian activist and writer, has been a frequent subject of debate in the UK Parliament, with his case documented extensively in Hansard (the official record of parliamentary proceedings). His long-term imprisonment in Egypt, following the 2011 uprising, has led to sustained diplomatic and parliamentary pressure for his release.'i won't bore you with all the Hansard records but I can assure you this man's release from Egypt took precedence, all the while a young British/Israeli girl, Emily Damari, was kidnapped and held hostage in tunnels by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 471 days, experiencing the loss of her fingers, starvation, brutality and sexual violence.

Lucille Grant ● 16h

Indirectly, Mr A. probably a fair number, judging by his hate filled posts which have no doubt rallied many sympathisers.

Lucille Grant ● 17h

So how many people has Alaa Abd el-Fattah killed then, Mr R?

David Ainsworth ● 17h

The whole issue is a complete mess!In the early 2010s, in his late 20s or early 30s, Alaa Abdel Fattah was posting on X truly horrifying and unacceptable messages.  Fast forward to today and there are so many questions unanswered!  I Googled his name and found these articles from 2022:Alaa Abdel Fattah detention: Truss to seek release of British-Egyptian activisthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-61879386Alaa Abd El-Fattah: Liz Truss vows to help free British-Egyptian activist on hunger strike for 81 dayshttps://news.sky.com/story/alaa-abd-el-fattah-liz-truss-vows-to-help-free-british-egyptian-activist-on-hunger-strike-for-81-days-12637952Will any politician ever assume responsibility for their actions, regardless of affiliation?

Ivonne Holliday ● 17h

@Steven 14.48Of course his ‘apology’ is insincere, he’s only made it to try and deflect all the demands for his deportation.  His hate-filled anti-Semitic tweets have been made as far back as 2010 so he’s had 15 years to repent and apologise for them, but nothing….until now.  We can debate his nationality all day but the bottom line is that he currently has dual nationality whether we like it (Philippa) or not (most sensible people).  His British citizenship must be revoked, by an act of Parliament if necessary, and this despicable *scumbag deported asap. *spot on Chris Philp

Sue Hammond ● 17h

Of course he blames the Zionists aka Jews. Hansard makes very interesting reading for those who are interested in the lobbying of Parliament to get him released.

Lucille Grant ● 18h

Mr Ixer'I see an investigation has now been launched to see why this has only just come to light …'The answer is clear enough.We no longer recognise societal traits and norms, history and culture that define our country and should be adhered to by people who wish to be citizens of it.We have no unique and defining identity and are just a ragbag of disparate racial tribes many of whom have little in common with the majority indigenous population.Hence the examples of Pakistani behaviour and beliefs that are alien to ours.

John Hawkes ● 18h

Ms Bond'There was a time when you could move freely from one country to another in the Middle East and people of different religions lived next to each other peaceably. Unfortunately there are those now that just don't want to - and those problems did NOT suddenly start on 7 October 2023.'What caused this situation to change ?

John Hawkes ● 18h

Ms Bond'So exactly what incident or incidents CAUSED him to make those comments so long ago?'Why should an adult need to be provoked into making vile antisemitic and anti British comments ?Do we not have free will, the power of reason and inherent beliefs ?What provokes you to believe and post what you believe ? 

John Hawkes ● 19h

Mr AinsworthTypical of you in trying to deflect from the issue of immigration being raised by Farage particularly and others, by reference to what he is claimed to have said in the school playground some 50 years ago.Quoted as a diversionary tactic by the Guardian journalists who believe, I assume like you, in an open border immigration policy and also managed to unearth a teacher of Farage who can recall with precise clarity how he behaved all those many years ago.You obviously believe that such comments made as a child were those of a young Nazi and that the adult Farage is still one.Does such a theory of human growth account for your  attitudes towards Jews as can be read in your comments ?Were you antisemitic as a child ?A young Nazi even ?And as such do you and Farage not have much in common ?

John Hawkes ● 19h

There was a time when you could move freely from one country to another in the Middle East and people of different religions lived next to each other peaceably. Unfortunately there are those now that just don't want to - and those problems did NOT suddenly start on 7 October 2023.

Philippa Bond ● 19h

Mr Ixer'Lucille, I  don't agree with any of his comments and I worded my post purposely to say "his mother" told him as I doubt it's a sincere one. However, on balance, I also doubt he'd do anything now that would risk him being sent back to Egypt, which I understand is his other nationality. As far as I'm aware he's not been involved in terrorist activities, he's used "free speech" to express views most of us disagree with.Interesting, that the US tech CEOs and current government would support his right to express these views given the visa ban introduced against five UK/EU citizens trying to curtail hate speech, etc..'In reality do you not actually post such comments to show how clever you are and how much more sophisticated you are than the rest of us regarding such matters ?We who can see and fear the evil that comments espoused by such people as Abd El-Fattah can arouse whilst you obviously do not.How far do you carry your claimed belief in free speech ?Further than the visa ban introduced against five UK/EU citizens trying to curtail hate speech ?But hate speech to you and them only seems to apply to derogatory comments against Muslims and not Jews.But of course the real villains of the peace in your eyes are the US President, Government and CEOs of tech companies.So it is actually anti-Americanism that motivates your beliefs and comments.

John Hawkes ● 19h

Mr IxerDon't be so naïve in your attempt to show yourself to be fair minded and liberal.'I see he's now apologised for his posts. Perhaps his mother and a word him about his comments?'Of course he has.These Islamists are cunning so-and-sos.They will say anything and recant all their previous racist comments and views to make themselves appear as decent human beings deserving of British citizenship, when such a benefit is challenged.Otherwise they would have to return to and live in their 'failed state' birthplaces.His mother was born here as I believe her mother was studying here at the time of her birth.That's how I understand she can claim to be British.But he was born in EGYPT and bases his claim for retained British citizenship as his mother's middle aged son (sic). Boris Johnson was influential in his gaining British citizenship when at the time Abd El-Fattah was perceived to be 'a fighter for and defender of human rights'.One act of Johnson truly worthy of outright condemnation.'I suppose a few years in an Egyptian prison would make one appreciate life in the UK'.Are you insulting Muslim states by insinuating they operate a cruel and wicked prison regime and also comparing life in such states as socially and politically inferior to that in the UK ?Mr Ainsworth will soon be on your tail for Islamophobia !'so I doubt he's a risk to the UK '.The ultimate naivety.Like all terrorists when about to suffer for their obnoxious views, he has of course recanted his racist and anti-British views and put them down to youthful ignorance and indiscretion.People should Google to read how disgusting they are.'He has repeatedly referred to the British as “dogs and monkeys”, for example, and urged Londoners to burn Downing Street. He has “joked” about taking over towns and “rap[ing] ur women” — just the sort of thing British social cohesion needs amid the backlash over migrant hotels and grooming gangs. And he’s called for killing all police, “hating white people”, and the “random shooting of white males”'. - From Unherd.But under pressure and at risk of being kicked out of the country he so despises and with which he holds no views in common, and returned to his homeland that saw him for what he is years ago, he now claims to be a different person.But you, Starmer, Cooper and Lammy are mugs to believe such.If allowed to stay here he will just be a focus for antisemitic views and a terrorism risk to the security and safety of the British people.'... and who other than an the lawyers will gain?'We will if he is kicked out and the lawyers will soon find other similar 'human rights' cases stemming from our misreading of and adherence to the ECHR and Labour's insouciance regarding who can live in this country and claim citizenship.

John Hawkes ● 19h

It appears that Mr El Fattah himself blames the ‘Zionists’ for outing him as a racist and an anti-Semite, suggesting that his views have not changed since his original media posts and that his recent apology is insincere.

Steven Rose ● 20h

Hear, hear Steven.

Lucille Grant ● 21h

Jonathan, had his father been a British citizen he would have been British from birth. I think it was in 2010 that this sexist anomaly was resolved (I believe by the Conservatives with the agreement of Labour) and he became eligible to become a UK citizen. I guess one could argue that fixing this anomaly means people becoming UK citizens as a result should be treated as though they were citizens from when they were born - but that's probably one for the lawyers.I see an investigation has now been launched to see why this has only just come to light …

Michael Ixer ● 21h

I think, Phillips, you should spend some time in Syria with Islamic State where your understanding of extreme forms of Islamism would be much appreciated.

Steven Rose ● 22h

So exactly what incident or incidents CAUSED him to make those comments so long ago?  I think we should be told that too.You are far too quick to condemn.  There is far too much Islamophobia going on in the UK.  We are a country where we are free to choose whatever religion we want to practise or none at all and the majority do that PEACEFULLY.

Philippa Bond ● 22h

Exactly this Jonathan. Surely MI5 would have known of him? Did they inform successive Home Secretaries who ignored their advice?

Lucille Grant ● 23h

I guess the answer to your last question, Jonathan, is that Reform benefits, given that the individual was granted citizenship under the Tories while Labour secured his release, though we will probably never discover who released the information. The whole case demonstrates dreadful incompetence by both the Home Office and the Foreign Office.

Steven Rose ● 1d

Lucille, I  don't agree with any of his comments and I worded my post purposely to say "his mother" told him as I doubt it's a sincere one. However, on balance, I also doubt he'd do anything now that would risk him being sent back to Egypt, which I understand is his other nationality. As far as I'm aware he's not been involved in terrorist activities, he's used "free speech" to express views most of us disagree with.Interesting, that the US tech CEOs and current government would support his right to express these views given the visa ban introduced against five UK/EU citizens trying to curtail hate speech, etc.

Michael Ixer ● 1d

As you say, who benefited? Pretty obvious that the Tories and Reform benefit, and that the Tories can also pretend that it was nothing to do with them in government. But we have seen before this hunt through old emails to find emails that are damaging or ones that can be interpreted that way. Beats me, there's some powerful searching going on there. And apparently people can never change their opinions, or are allowed to. Once a Nazi, always a Nazi?Oh, I forgot, if you are Reform Leader Nigel Farage, it was just playground banter:-"In an interview last month, when asked if he ever racially abused fellow pupils, Farage replied, "not with intent".He added: "Have I said things 50 years ago that you could interpret as being banter in a playground that you could interpret in the modern light of day in some sort of way? Yes."Mr Ettedgui acknowledged that a lot of racially offensive terms were commonplace to hear in the 70s, "but I think Nigel Farage was of a completely different order. The regularity, the intention with which he did this to so many pupils of different races." (ITV)So it is, in Farage's case, all down to others' ill-intentioned interpretations. But somehow Tories and Reform just know that Alaa Abd el-Fattah meant it all then, and that he believes exactly the same now, after his years in gaol. So, a double-hit.

David Ainsworth ● 1d

I hope by your claims you are not pointing to some sort of Israeli plot. To me this sums up the shambles that our immigration policy is in.  Anybody who tweets these sorts of remarks should not be allowed in the UK no matter how many years ago.Starmer has now completely shown himself as a fool.  His first role is to keep his electorate safe and this individual’s comments clearly indicate an ideology.

Robert Wheeler ● 1d

I have a few questions about this case:- why did the government not know about this man’s beliefs before a) demanding his release and b) granting him citizenship?- did someone know but hushed it up or is this just incompetence?- as the son of a British citizen isn’t citizenship conferred automatically at birth whether the individual is born in the UK or not?- who dug out these ancient tweets in the first place and then timed their release for just after he returned here?- in other words, cui bono? Who benefited?- if the aim was to politically embarrass Labour and the Tories was it someone in Reform?  Or a Reform-supporting paper?I think we should be told!

Jonathan Callaway ● 1d

Have you read any of his tweets Mr Ixer? He hates white people, police, homosexuals, Brits (he calls us dogs) and Jews. His mother was on hunger strike while he was in an Egyptian jail and petitioned both Tory and Labour Governments to persuade Egypt to release him. His 'apology' today is a pile of dog xhxt.So glad YOU don't think he is a risk to the UK. We can all sleep safe in our beds now.

Lucille Grant ● 1d

I see he's now apologised for his posts. Perhaps his mother and a word him about his comments? I suppose a few years in an Egyptian prison would make one appreciate life in the UK, so I doubt he's a risk to the UK ... and who other than an the lawyers will gain?

Michael Ixer ● 1d

😂😂😂 Sue!

Lucille Grant ● 1d

Mr Ainsworth'So I asked AI:-Who gave UK citizenship to Alaa Abd el-Fattah?'Your artificial intelligence has done you proud, though this issue has featured in the MSM for at least 24 hours.The then Conservative governments are as much at fault for the leniency they showed this 'freedom fighter', as he was then claimed to be, as has been Labour.'He acquired citizenship through a 2021 change in immigration law that allows mothers to transmit British citizenship to their children born abroad.'Children ?He is a middle aged man for God's sake and obviously a nasty piece of work.Yet only Starmer and others on the Labour front bench welcomed him back 'with delight' without (one must assume and hope) checking social media for his comments.These surprise, surprise bearing in mind his background, show him to be not only antisemitic but also anti-British.Yet he wants to live here !Who knows the reason for this ?Might he be plotting terror attacks in the UK ?There is as you know a strong body of opinion that the boat people you doubtless have sympathy for contain within their midst many terrorist 'sleepers' just waiting to commit their vile deeds.Though hopefully not in West Putney - "Heaven forbid" ! In reality only Reform have defined the right way to handle him.A Trumpian solution - 'ship him back to Egypt'.

John Hawkes ● 1d

More c&p AI again.  Are you now unable to form your own thoughts and opinions?

Sue Hammond ● 1d