Government accused of ‘undermining UK global reputation’ with Jerusalem embassy plan

The government has been accused of “undermining the UK’s reputation on the global stage” by considering moving to the embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater made the claim as she questioned the now abandoned proposal to move the embassy from its current location in Tel Aviv.

Conservative MP Richard Graham also sought an assurance from David Rutley, a minister in the foreign, commonwealth and development office, that the UK government’s “long-standing and right position” would be to keep the embassy in Tel Aviv.

During foreign questions, Leadbeater asked the minister what “assessment” had been made about the “potential effect” of the embassy move.

He responded: “There are no plans to move the embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv.”

Rutley added:”Israel is a close friend and a key strategic partner, built on decades of cooperation. We will continue to strengthen our relationship through our embassy in Tel Aviv.”

Leadbeater, the MP for Batley and Spen, said her constituents would be “please to hear” the move, first proposed by ex Pm Liz Truss, was not going ahead.

She then continued: “Why was this move ever under consideration given that last month at the United Nations, 143 countries, including Israel and the UK, voted to reaffirm that any unilateral annexation of territory by another state is a violation of international law?”

The MP noted that this principle “would become meaningless” is not applied “equally to the occupied Palestinian territories, including east Jerusalem.”

Leadbeater added: “Isn’t this just another example of the Conservatives chaotic approach to international relations that are so badly undermining the UK’s reputation on the global stage.”

Rutley stressed the UK is committed to a two-state solution.

Gloucester MP Graham also praised the work done by the UK consulate in Jerusalem, which he said “compliments” the work done by the embassy in Tel Aviv.

The minister said Graham had “real expertise in this issue”.

Last week prime minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the proposal to move the embassy to Jerusalem – one which he had said he would consider during the leadership campaign – had now been scrapped.