Senior Tory launches scathing attack on bill banning boycotts of Israel

Alicia Kearns' remarks come as up to 10 Tories prepare to join Labour in voting against bill affecting public bodies

A senior Conservative MP launched a scathing attack on a controversial bill banning local councils from boycotting Israel, as eight Tories voted against the proposed legislation.

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative chair of the foreign affairs select committee, told the Guardian that the bill undermined free speech, went against international law and risked leaving the UK isolated on the global stage.