Britain stresses Unesco commitment after US withdraws over Israel bias

Britain has confirmed its continued commitment to membership of Unesco after the US announced it was withdrawing from the United Nations cultural body.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson gave formal notification of the US withdrawal on the grounds of “continuing anti-Israel bias” and “mounting arrears”.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Government is committed to continued UK membership of Unesco and to working with other member states in support of its important work.

“The US relationship with Unesco is a matter for them.”

The Trump administration and Israel have voiced concern over a series of Unesco decisions, including the listing of the city of Hebron as a Palestinian world heritage site.

In October, Israel suspended its co-operation over a draft resolution referring to the Old City of Jerusalem as part of “the cultural heritage of Palestine”.