Robert Jenrick questions Palestinian student visa after university protest

Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister, sought to revoke the visa of Dana Abu Qamar, a Palestinian law student at the University of Manchester, after she spoke at a demonstration regarding Gaza. This inquiry followed her statements during a Sky News interview, where she expressed pride in Gaza's resistance against Israel's actions. The UK government revoked her visa on December 1, 2023, citing that her presence was 'not conducive to the public good.' Abu Qamar, a dual Jordanian-Canadian citizen, has faced significant personal loss due to the ongoing conflict, having lost 22 relatives in Gaza. The intervention by Jenrick has drawn criticism from various human rights advocates, who argue that it represents an arbitrary suppression of free speech, particularly concerning Palestinian rights. They highlight the contradiction between Jenrick's previous claims about valuing freedom of expression and his actions against Abu Qamar. The situation escalated after the October 7 Hamas-led attacks, which resulted in significant casualties and heightened tensions in the region. Abu Qamar is currently challenging the government's decision through a human rights appeal, with a review by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expected by September 13, 2024. This appeal comes amid a shift in the UK government's stance towards the Middle East, as evidenced by the recent suspension of arms export licenses to Israel due to concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law. A spokesperson for the Home Office has refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings, while a source close to Jenrick emphasized that a visa is a privilege, suggesting that those who support terrorism should not be allowed to remain in the UK. The case highlights the complexities surrounding immigration, free speech, and the political climate regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.