As tensions simmered, MP Melanie Onn probably returned from 'tinderbox' region in nick of time

                                           

Melanie Onn - she met with politicians and . . .  activists 

GREAT Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn was in Israel and Palestine just days before the Hamas incursion of early last October.

Although it is unlikely, the MP experienced any personal danger, she probably believes, given what has happened since, that she left not a day too soon. 

The world has been increasingly horrified by the unfolding violence and reprisal in the Hamas-Israel conflict.  

As part of a 'fact-finding' visit, Ms Onn - who had not yet been returned to the Commons as an MP - was in the Middle East between September 3 and September 7 last year.

While there, the met politicians, academics, diplomats and  'activists'.

The trip, which Ms Onn has dutifully disclosed in the latest edition of the MPs' Register of Interests, was paid for by the London-based Labour Friends of Israel organisation.

The total amount for flights, hotel and meals was £2,200.

The MP's other disclosures include receipt of a donation of £7,723.60 from  the trade union, Unison, which is believed to have part-funded her General Election campaign.

A more modest donation of £1,500 came from Lord  Oakeshott, an anti-Conservative peer and investment banker, who also supported Ms Onn's successful campaign.

Another donor to the campaign, chipping in with £2,000, was the GI Media Group run by former UKIP North East Lincolnshire councillor Matt Stinson.

A further donation was for £2,500 from Julia McNeal about whom little is known except that she donated a similar amount to Alison Hume the Labour MP for Scarborough and Whitby.

On the other side of the House, the two latest  'fact-finding' visits of  Conservative MP, Martin Vickers (Brigg and Immingham) - who was accompanied by wife, Ann -  both came last year.

They were to the Isle of Man  (July 4-6) and Gibraltar (September 7-11).

For the couple combined, these were worth  £730 and  £2,502 respectively.

Mr Vickers has also disclosed a donation of £3,058.78 to his election campaign fund from Andrew Miller.

                                             

Martin Vickers - trips to the Isle of Man and Gibraltar

The Grimsby News says: One of the perks of being an MP (or even just a hotly-tipped parliamentary candidate) is the prospect of plenty of overseas travel. These are typically described by the beneficiaries as 'fact-finding' visits, but, to the public, they sometimes look more like 'freebies' - especially when the destinations are exotic or alluring. But there are risks. Those organisations which fund the visits may choose to 'call in' the favours. In certain cases, gentle pressure might be exerted - for instance, an unnerving phone-call in the dead of night. MPs need always to be mindful of  the old saying  - 'there is no such thing as a free lunch'.