Rachel Reeves: Labour will look to Israel’s ‘economic miracle’ to halt UK decline
Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves also described Diane Abbott's Observer letter as 'abhorrent and antisemitic' as she delivered the keynote speech at the UJIA Israel 75 business breakfast
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Rachel Reeves has insisted a Labour government would look to the example of Israel’s “economic miracle” to provide an alternative to “managed decline” under prime minister Rishi Sunak.
Speaking at the United Jewish Israel Appeal (UJIA) Israel 75 business breakfast event, the shadow chancellor said:”Israel’s lesson is instructive.
“Their strategic public investment has unlocked massive private sector funding…
“It’s all about giving Britain hope. For too long Britain has failed to invest in its future , our thinking has been blinkered and short-term-ist.
“It is right therefore to look to Israel’s economy at the age of 75, and ask ‘what can we learn?’
“David Ben Gurion said that ‘in Israel to be a realist you must believe in miracles’.
“He was right. To visit Israel today is to see the fruits of a very modern economic miracle.
“On Israel’s 75th anniversary, I’d like to pay tribute to that spirit of optimism and hope. Here in Britain we have much to learn from it. With Labour in government, I assure you we will.”
Delivering her speech to a packed room of business people from across the community, Reeves also used her speech to offer her own strong condemnation of Diane Abbott’s poisonous letter published in The Observer last Sunday.
Very strong and clear condemnation of Diane Abbott’s poisonous letter from @RachelReevesMP at this morning’s @UJIAcharity #Israel75 business breakfast event pic.twitter.com/akFc4bU2Ia
— lee harpin (@lmharpin) April 26, 2023
She said the party needed “no reminder of the task remaining ahead of us” in fighting antisemitism in Labour, but “Diane Abbott provided us with one last weekend.”
Reeves, who was introduced to the audience by her close friend Sir Trevor Chinn, continued: “Let’s be in no doubt, her words were abhorrent and antisemitic. We condemn them wholeheartedly.
“Keir will never tolerate, I will never tolerate, and the Labour Party will never again tolerate that behaviour. That’s why we acted so swiftly in removing the Labour whip last Sunday.”
Elsewhere in her speech Reeves also praised the spirit of those who had protested against the government of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government in Israel.
She said Labour in government would be “pro Israel and pro Palestine” and issued a heartfelt message of condolence to Rabbi Leo Dee, and his family after the murder of his wife and two daughters.
During Wednesday’s UJIA breakfast the organisation’s chair Louise Jacobs was also warmly applauded as she spoke of the charity’s determination to help Israel and all those who live within the state prosper, whether Jew, Arab, or any faith.
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