George Galloway bundled on to plane and deported from Egypt

George Galloway was deported from Cairo today after being arrested at the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt.

The Respect MP was part of the Viva Palestina aid convoy which was caught up in violence this week. A convoy spokeswoman said he had tried to return to Rafah after hearing that seven convoy members had been arrested.

Plain clothes police officers met Mr Galloway and his colleague Ron McKay as they crossed the border.

"As soon as they emerged on to Egyptian soil, both men were forcibly pushed into a van, refused exit and told that they were leaving the country They were then driven off in a police convoy," said the Viva Palestina spokesman.

The convoy of 550 people from 17 countries was caught up in violence on Tuesday, which they blamed on "heavy-handed policing" of the group. The spokeswoman said 55 people were injured.

"Mr Galloway and Turkish MPs struck a deal with Egyptian authorities, part of which was that the seven detainees were released without charge. When Mr Galloway demanded to return to Rafah, permission was repeatedly denied."

The Foreign Office said: "We will continue to offer consular assistance to anyone who needs it."