Declassified UK has published a video report titled “Labour MPs caught attending Israel lobby lunch” examining a private lunch event in central London involving Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) and a number of Labour politicians. The report shows the journalist approaching MPs and other attendees as they enter a hotel venue, asking whether they are attending the LFI lunch and raising questions about the group’s funding and transparency.
In the footage, politicians approached or identified include Peter Kyle, Luke Akehurst, Mark Sewards, and Steve Yemm. Some respond briefly, with several framing their position as support for a negotiated two-state solution.
The report also focuses on what it describes as limited public information about the event’s guest list and the funding behind LFI. It includes claims that police and venue security restricted filming and questioning near the entrance, citing private property.
The video further highlights past and present links between certain MPs and LFI, including trips and roles within the organisation. Politicians named in this context include Damian Egan, Danny Beales, Neil Coyle, and Peter Prinsley, with the report referencing previously declared or investigated LFI-funded trips to Israel.
The report also notes the presence of senior political figures among a larger group of attendees inside the hotel, including David Lammy and Rachel Reeves, who were referenced as attending the lunch.
Near the end of the video, Declassified UK says it contacted Labour Friends of Israel for comment and reports that the group stated it complies with relevant transparency standards and does not receive funding from the Israeli government, while declining to name its main funders, citing safety concerns. The report also includes comments from an Israeli historian on the distinction between criticism of Israel or Zionism and antisemitism, and on debates over the use of definitions of antisemitism in public institutions.
The following politicians were mentioned or implied as attending the event or connected:
- Peter Kyle — Labour MP (Hove & Portslade) was directly filmed entering the lunch and asked about his support for LFI and arms exports.
- Mark Seawards - MP for Leeds South West and Morley, argued that being a friend of Israel also meant being a friend of Palestine. He framed his position as support for a negotiated two-state solution as the only way to achieve peace.
- Luke Akehurst — MP for North Durham, shown being questioned about attending and noted as a former pro-Israel lobby group leader.
- Damian Egan — MP for Bristol North East, noted as having taken an LFI-funded trip.
- Neil Coyle — MP for Bermondsey, noted as a parliamentary supporter of LFI on its website.
- Matt Turmaine — MP for Watford”, though his specific attendance in the footage was described as probable rather than confirmed.
- Danny Beales — MP for Oxford East, shown entering the venue and identified as having recently taken an LFI trip.
The report also said politicians inside the lunch included:
- David Lammy — Deputy Prime Minister, described as present among guests.
- Rachel Reeves — Chancellor, also noted as among attendees.
