Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing criticism after publicly welcoming British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah back to the United Kingdom, following his release from an Egyptian prison. Abd El-Fattah, who had been imprisoned for most of the past fourteen years, returned after a travel ban was lifted, with both Conservative and Labour governments previously advocating for his freedom.

Controversy erupted after critics highlighted historical social media posts allegedly made by Abd El-Fattah that contained violent and antisemitic language. Senior opposition figures questioned whether Starmer was aware of these posts and called for him to withdraw his endorsement. The government clarified that while it had campaigned for Abd El-Fattah's release, it condemned his past statements, describing them as abhorrent.

Abd El-Fattah's family had campaigned vigorously for his release, with his mother undertaking a lengthy hunger strike. Starmer praised their efforts and expressed relief at the activist's return, but the debate over Abd El-Fattah's past remarks continues to fuel political tensions.