Israel has closed Britain’s consulate in Jerusalem in response to recent sanctions imposed by Ed Miliband. Hotting up…
Miliband responded in a statement this morning:
“The UK Government reiterates its long-standing view that East Jerusalem is occupied territory.
Following discussions with the Government of Israel, our Consulate General building will not be closing, and will be known as the UK Mission, Jerusalem from today. The UK Mission, Jerusalem is independent, operational, and will continue to deliver vital services and our work with the Palestinian people.”
The remaining operation will consist of about seven diplomats. Israel has removed the British sign on the side of the building…
FCDO minister Stephen Doughty is on the broadcast round and insisted it was a superficial change. He told LBC:
“You might see a name change, you might see a nameplate changing, but the crucial fact is that our office remains open… It would be called ‘UK Mission in Jerusalem’, but we retain our presence, we retain our building, we retain our people, and most importantly, we can carry on doing the work that we’re doing.”
This comes a week after Netanyahu claimed to have warned British authorities about RAF Fairford…
Kemi Badenoch at the 1922-ConHome bash last night:
“I did praise [Burnham] for his stamina, it was amazing. All I had to do was sit back and lie there. I didn’t have to do anything at all…”