KEIR Starmer’s spokesman has said that the detention of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters is “a matter for the Israeli government”.
It comes after hundreds of those sailing to Gaza to deliver much-needed aid were intercepted and detained by Israeli forces, including four Scots: Yvonne Ridley, Margaret Pacetta, Jim Hickey and Sid Khan.
The UK Government previously said they were “supporting a number of British nationals” who had been detained and were “in touch with the local authorities” after it was reported that Ridley, amongst other detainees, had been subjected to “aggressive” and “intimidating” treatment.
When asked about the detention of British activists, Starmer’s spokesman told the Byline Times: “That's a matter for the Israeli Government, but we've always said that our priority is seeing an end to the fighting so we can see the hostages released and humanitarian aid, much needed humanitarian aid, flood into Gaza.
Keir Starmer’s spokesman asked about Israel detaining British citizens who were on the Gaza aid flotilla, while in international waters, replies that it is a “matter for the Israeli Government”
— Adam Bienkov (@AdamBienkov) October 6, 2025
“The current situation is intolerable. As the Prime Minister has repeatedly said, it's why we are clear in our opposition to the current Israeli military offensive in Gaza, why we support the United States deal to the fighting end – we need to see the hostages released, and we need to urgently see more aid.”
When pushed again, he added: “I’ve always said that the Israeli Government must obviously act in line with international law. It's obviously up to them to take those decisions [on detentions].”
First Minister John Swinney said on Monday that he was “very concerned about the wellbeing of the individuals who are part of the flotilla that are now being held in Israel” and added that the Scottish Government had been in touch with the UK Foreign Office on “an ongoing basis”.
Swinney also said: "What I would make a plea for is for there to be urgent consular access for all individuals to make sure their wellbeing is assured.
"That should be an absolute given in any of these circumstances, and also for the immediate return of those individuals.
"We are making those representations to the UK Government , who are of course interacting with the Israeli government on these questions."
Meanwhile, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has written to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper asking for an "urgent update" on the conditions of Ridley, Khan and Hickey.
Robertson said he was "deeply concerned" for their wellbeing, and added that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCD) said they "have lobbied the Israeli authorities to make clear that they expected the situation to be resolved safely, in line with international law".
