Largest ever delegation of UK peers taken to Israel on fact-finding trip

The largest-ever official delegation from the House of Lords flew to Israel this week for a four-day visit.

A cross-party group of 20 peers – including former Tory Party leader Lord Howard, ex-justice minister Lord Wolfson, Lord Leigh and Baroness Myer – joined the fact-finding tour, organised by The European Leadership Network (ELNET) and the all-party parliamentary group (appg) for Britain-Israel.

Chair of the appg Lord Turnberg said he was “delighted in bringing so many cross-party colleagues to Israel to deepen the bilateral relationship between our countries.

“There are so many ways in which Israel and the UK can work together, from healthcare and technology to agriculture and cyber security.

“The Lords on this delegation have an impressive plethora of experience and interest and we are looking forward to being inspired on how we can take the UK-Israel relationship forwards.”

The delegation visited the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Knesset, where they met with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

On Tuesday Turnberg and former Conservative leader Lord Howard laid wreaths and lit the flame of remembrance as the delegation went to Yad Vashem.

The group also visited the Kerem Shalom Crossing, the primary crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Lord Wolfson also tweeted of “frank and constructive” discussions held with Dr Zian Abu-Amr, the deputy prime minister, and member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

In another meeting with Israel’s minister of intelligence Gila Gamliel warned peers of the threat posed by Iran saying “the same #Iran that calls for death to Israel also calls for death to the UK”.

British Ambassador Neil Wigan was also set to host a dinner for the group.

ELNET’s Joan Ryan said the trip helped “provide a unique opportunity for British Parliamentarians to learn about Israel in the round – its successes, its challenges, and the opportunities to enhance and build on the already extensive UK-Israel relationship”.