‘Labour values the relationship between UK and Israel’ Starmer spokesperson says
Keir Starmer's spokesperson tells lobby journalists Labour wants 'strong relationship with Israel' despite 'specific issues of disagreement
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A Labour government would wish to have a strong relationship with Israel, despite specific issues of disagreement, Keir Starmer’s spokesperson has confirmed.
Speaking to journalists following Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson’s description of the Israeli government as “fascist” the spokesperson confirmed the party under Starmer’s leadership viewed the relations with the Jewish state as “an important one for us bilaterally.”
Johnson was spoken to be the Labour chief whip following her Commons outburst on Wednesday in which she used language which Starmer’s aide said was “unacceptable.”
“Obviously there are always issues in any bilateral relationship,” they added, when quizzed about the prominence of far-right ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government.
“You will have seen Labour spokespeople speak out on them. But the relationship between Britain and Israel is one that we value.
“I don’t think using the sort of language used in PMQs is helpful in achieving that.”
Asked about Starmer’s view on working with Netanyahu the spokesperson added Labour “always want to have a close working relationship with a number of countries across the world of which Israel is one.
“The relationship between Britain and Israel is one that we value, and it is important for the future.”
Jewish News understands that Starmer has told the Labour front bench to avoid using the word “apartheid” in relation to Israel.”
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