A Conservative MP has called on the Government to introduce repatriation flights for Brits stranded in Israel.

Mike Freer, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, said that he has been contacted by several constituents who are struggling to return to the UK after Hamas attacked Israel on Saturday (October 7).

He pointed to the fact that other countries had already started repatriation flights from the country as the conflict escalates, and claimed that it was “absolutely imperative that the UK follows suit”.

In a statement, Mr Freer said: “Commercial flights are operating far below the ordinary frequency of travel from Israel, and individual airlines are now charging those desperate to escape the violence extortionate prices for tickets, with costs particularly prohibitive for larger families.

“It is entirely wrong for these companies to seek to make profit out of a humanitarian crisis, and their actions are why it is especially vital that the UK Government intervenes to aid British nationals in returning to the UK, away from the fighting.”

He added that he had raised the issue with “senior colleagues” in Government and remained dissatisfied that repatriation flights had not yet been introduced.

Mr Freer said: “The safety of my constituents is of paramount importance, and I will continue to lobby for their swift return to the UK.”

The constituency of Finchley and Golders Green has the highest population of people identifying as Jewish in the whole of the UK.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited the United Synagogue in Finchley, vowing that he “will stop at nothing” to keep Jewish people safe amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas.

His comments came after Hamas militants infiltrated Israel and fired thousands of rockets over the weekend, killing hundreds of Israelis and kidnapping dozens more.

Israel has since vowed “mighty vengeance” for the attack, launching a bombing campaign in Gaza and cutting off electricity, food, fuel and water to its Palestinian population of some two million.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been approached for comment about Mr Freer’s statement.