BICOM

Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt has reiterated the government’s commitment to further developing ties between the UK and Israel. In an article authored by Burt for the Jewish Chronicle, he highlighted close cooperation in the fields of medicine, life-sciences and hi-tech, which “creates jobs, expands understanding and improves lives. We will redouble these efforts.”

The minister went on to say that “Developing our economic partnership goes hand in hand with our unwavering commitment to Israel’s long-term security,” acknowledging the dangers that Israel faces from Iran’s nuclear programme, instability in Syria and the threat of terrorism, reaffirming “The British government is clear: the people of Israel have a right to live peacefully and free from terror.”

Burt described it as “critical and urgent” that a two-state solution is negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians, “giving Israelis the peace and security to which they are entitled, and the Palestinians the state they need and deserve.” He called on the international community to launch a “huge effort to revive the peace process.” He added that it would require “serious negotiations without preconditions” and for Israel’s part it would involve “stopping illegal settlement building, which undermines trust and makes peace harder to achieve.”

Meanwhile, the importance of UK-Israel relations was further acknowledged as awards in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list were handed to three individuals who have played important roles in fostering relations between the two countries. Prof. Raymond Dwek was awarded a CBE for services to UK-Israeli scientific collaboration; David Kustow has been handed an OBE for services to film in the UK and British-Israeli film cooperation; while Prof. Penny Ur of the Oranim Academic College in Israel also received an OBE in recognition of services to English-language teaching.