Anniversaries are a good time to reflect, to look back on how
events have shaped us and dwell on happy memories. They are also
a time to look to the future, set goals, and make plans for the
future. And it is with that sense of optimism, this week, that we
mark the 70th anniversary of the UK opening its embassy in Tel
Aviv, beginning the UK’s diplomatic relations with Israel.
Over those 70 years we have seen engagements between Her Majesty
the Queen and Israeli Presidents Haim Herzog, Ezer Weizman and
Shimon Peres. In 2018 HRH Prince William visited Israel and met
Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Rivlin, Holocaust survivors,
activists and even carved out some time to meet Israeli
Eurovision sensation Netta.
The Prime Minister was pleased to host Prime Minister Netanyahu
at Downing Street last year, while earlier this year, HRH The
Prince of Wales visited Israel to speak at a Yad Vashem Holocaust
Memorial ceremony and joined world leaders in Jerusalem to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz.
I know what an amazing place Israel is to visit having had the
chance to do so shortly after becoming an MP in 2015. A country
with antiquity and modernity side by side, things that seem
familiar to my British eyes and things which are fascinating and
unique. A country proud of its modern science and technology
sectors and also home to some of the most holy places in the
world.
I had hoped that my work as minister responsible for the Middle
East and North Africa might give me the chance to go back to a
fantastic fish restaurant on the waterfront at Jaffa, listen to
the call to evening prayer from the mosque while watching the sun
set over the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately Covid-19 means that
I, like people in Tel Aviv, will have to wait before dining there
again.
But even in these challenging times, this anniversary week gives
us both cause for optimism. The UK and Israel are working side by
side in the fight against coronavirus, with our top health and
scientific advisers sharing information and exchanging valuable
insights into how to manage and ultimately beat the pandemic. Our
respective world-class hospitals and laboratories are working
together to support the development of antibody treatments for
patients and discussing ground-breaking innovations, from tracing
apps to potential vaccines.
Of course, the ties between UK and Israel go far beyond
scientific cooperation. High tech-collaboration is also thriving,
with Israeli start-ups working with the UK’s biggest companies in
health, finances, pharma, energy and more. Leading British firm
Dyson is using Israeli technology in its appliances and Israeli
MobilEye’s systems work to reduce road traffic accidents and
protect cyclists and pedestrians across Britain. The UK is
Israel’s biggest trading partner in Europe: our trade has been
growing steadily over the years, and in recent years we have seen
annual trade exceed £8 billion, according to the Israeli Central
Bureau of Statistics. In 2016, the UK signed its biggest-ever
trade deal with Israel, with Rolls Royce providing £1 billion of
engines to El Al’s new Dreamliner planes. UK-Israeli trade and
collaboration touches every aspect of our lives and helps build a
more prosperous future for both our countries.
Of course, the prosperity of Israel and the UK is inextricably
linked to the stability of the wider Middle East. I am a firm
believer that a negotiated agreement between Israel and the
Palestinians for a two-state solution is the best way to secure
enduring stability and success. As Israel’s new government gets
to work, I encourage both sides to focus on that great, if
sometimes elusive, prize; sustainable peace. I urge both to
continue to build on the constructive collaboration that they
have shown during this pandemic and find ways to return to the
table. I hope that steps on the road towards lasting peace are
taken, and pathways that might lead away from that goal are
avoided.
Much changes over a 70 year period but some things do not change.
We will continue to cherish our friendship with Israel, stand
united in the struggle against the insidious forces of hate and
antisemitism and work towards an even brighter and better future
for us all.
Here’s to the next 70 years! Am Yisrael Chai.
