800 guests attend Ambassador Hotovely’s Israel 75 celebration
Business and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch tells attendees at the event in central London, 'the government will ban public bodies from pursuing BDS activities'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Over 800 guests, including MPs and representatives from all political parties, have attended an Israel 75 celebration hosted by Tzipi Hotovely, the Jewish state’s ambassador to the UK, in central London.
Tuesday evening’s event saw business and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch deliver the main speech in which she said she was “working hard to negotiate a modern and innovative” trade deal between the UK and Israel.
She told those listening to her speech that both countries were “two of the most innovative based economies in the world” but that there are “no provisions, in our current agreement, which was signed in 1995, that support the economy of today.”
To cheers the Conservative minister also vowed that “the government will ban public bodies from pursuing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) activities at universities and local authorities.
Badenoch said those supporting such moves against Israel were practicing “the politics of the student union.”
She described Israel’s 75 year long history as being one of “strength, resilience and success against the odds.”
Earlier guests arriving at the central London venue walked past a demonstration held by around 75 pro-Israel democracy campaigner, who continue to oppose Benjamin Nentayahu’s judicial reform programme.
Ambassador Hotovely also spoke to those attending stressing how proud she was at the UK’s “unique role” in Israel’s success story.
She said “cooperation on security and intelligence” was stronger than ever between the two countries.
Guests at the event were treated to a middle-eastern style buffet, and entertainment also included a modern dance troupe, and DJs.
Conservative MP Stephen Crabb, Labour’s Sharon Hodgson and Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel chair Gavin Stollar were among the many political figures to attend.
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