Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to revoke the UK citizenship of Egyptian dissident Alaa Abd el-Fattah following his release from prison and arrival in Britain, amid revelations of his past social media posts deemed antisemitic by critics including Nigel Farage and Tory figures.
British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, 44, landed in the UK on Boxing Day 2025 after over a decade in Egyptian prisons, prompting Prime Minister Keir Starmer to express delight at his return, only for controversy to erupt over the dissident’s previous online statements calling for violence against Zionists.
Government Welcomes Dissident Amid Swift Backlash
Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a prominent figure in Egypt’s 2011 Arab Spring uprising, was released from jail following a presidential pardon by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and arrived in the UK on 26 December 2025, where he reunited with his family including his UK-born mother Laila Soueif. According to The Week, Starmer described the 44-year-old’s return as a top priority for his government since taking office, stating on X that he was “delighted” by the development. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood must now assess whether el-Fattah’s passport should be revoked due to the “real-world harm” from antisemitic rhetoric, as reported by The Week citing concerns over his social media activity.
As reported by Henry Mance for The Week, Starmer was reportedly unaware of el-Fattah’s comments prior to his public statement, with Downing Street sources claiming no prior knowledge despite extensive efforts by Labour ministers to secure his release over years.
Background of Activist’s Imprisonment and UK Ties
Alaa Abd el-Fattah, convicted in 2021 of “spreading fake news” for sharing a Facebook post about torture in Egypt, had served multiple prison sentences totalling over 12 years under President al-Sisi’s regime. The Week reports that his latest sentence stemmed from activism linked to the Arab Spring protests, positioning him as a leading dissident voice against the Egyptian government.
Path to British Citizenship and Family Connections
El-Fattah’s UK citizenship was granted by the previous Conservative government, a decision now questioned amid the current row, according to The Week. His mother, Laila Soueif, was born in the UK, providing a complicating factor in any potential citizenship revocation, as discussed in LBC radio coverage where callers debated loyalty to the country. The Jerusalem Post notes his arrival last week followed a pardon issued on 23 September 2025, with family photos showing him alongside Soueif and sister Sanaa in Giza, Egypt.
Calls for Deportation from Tories and Public Figures
Conservative politicians and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage have demanded el-Fattah’s deportation and citizenship stripping after messages surfaced in which he called for Zionists to be killed, prompting accusations of incitement to violence. LBC reports that Tories criticised Starmer’s welcoming remarks, with callers arguing that individuals not loyal to the UK should lose citizenship regardless of family ties. The Week highlights Labour MPs describing the situation as a “kick in the face” post recent antisemitic incidents, while The Telegraph’s editorial, as cited by The Week, questioned why dossiers on el-Fattah were not reviewed by Starmer beforehand given Foreign Office and MI6 involvement in his release campaign.
The Jerusalem Post states that el-Fattah has since “unequivocally” apologised for his antisemitic statements, characterising them as the “frustrations of a young man,” following backlash from his UK arrival celebrated by Starmer and cabinet ministers. LBC coverage from 29 December 2025 featured Iain Dale questioning listeners on whether el-Fattah deserves to retain citizenship, with some advocating precedent-setting revocation for disloyalty.
Potential Consequences and Government Response
Should Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood opt to revoke el-Fattah’s citizenship, he could face removal from Britain, as outlined by The Week amid concerns that “calls for violence against Jews cannot be brushed aside.” Downing Street insists Starmer lacked awareness of the tweets, but critics including an unnamed senior Labour MP decry the episode as embarrassing after years of advocacy for his freedom. The Week reports that the prior Tory administration’s decision to grant citizenship is under scrutiny, with Labour figures now joining calls for action.
Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s UK arrival on 26 December 2025 has ignited debate over citizenship revocation, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s initial delight overshadowed by revelations of his past antisemitic online posts and subsequent apology, as covered by The Week, LBC, and The Jerusalem Post.
