David Lammy says first trade visit will be to Israel if elected mayor

David Lammy has revealed Israel would be the destination for his first trade delegation if he becomes London’s next mayor.

The Tottenham MP was speaking at a young professionals Friday night dinner organised by Torah Action Life.

He spoke of his visits to the Jewish state and his belief that the country’s achievements in science and technology are not sufficiently recognised by some. And speaking months before Boris Johnson is expected to lead a trade mission to Israel, Lammy pledged to follow suit.

The Labour politician also recalled his close ties with the Jewish community through the years including the support of a group of philanthropists that enabled him to become the first black Briton to study at Harvard law school.

The event came a month after former Olympics minister Tessa Jowell, the favourite for the Labour nomination for City Hall, addressed a Jewish Care Friday night dinner.

The TAL event was part of a series held in memory of Moise Safra, the world-renowned business leader who passed away in 2014.