Stephen Doughty confirmed as new Middle East minister

Experienced Labour MP Stephen Doughty has been appointed as the next Middle East Minister.

The Cardiff South and Penarth MP, who previously served as Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories under Keir Starmer, replaces Hamish Falconer.

Confirming his new role, as first revealed by Jewish News last week, Doughty said he was “honoured to take on responsibility for our work in the Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan,Pakistan and sanctions.”

One of his first high-profile Commons appearances, when MPs return in September, is now expected to be around tough new sanctions from the UK on Israel over settlement trade.

Former Middle East minister Falconer has now taken on the role of Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and European Relations in Andy Burnham’s government.

Jewish News understands that Doughty is highly regarded by Foreign Office officials for both his past experience and calm approach.

His interventions on Israel and Palestine have been noted for their even-handedness.

With Ed Miliband’s appointment as Foreign Secretary, Doughty’s new role is seen by some as helping to counter any perceived bias toward either Israelis or Palestinians.

During his tenure, Falconer frequently faced tough questioning in the Commons as he defended the government’s Middle East policy.

FCDO insiders believe Doughty is more than capable of stepping into the role, pointing to his consistent defence of the UK’s strict arms export controls to Israel.

He has also been active in addressing parliamentary queries and overseeing the suspension of licenses where there is a risk of breaching international humanitarian law.

Doughty’s previous roles as Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister and Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for International Development have provided him with valuable experience for the post.

In a statement following his move away from the Middle East role, Falconer paid tribute to the diplomats he worked alongside and revealed he had pressed the government to go further on policy regarding Israel.

Posting his resignation letter on X, he wrote: “Despite that work, the situation remains unbearable, and I leave the role marked by what I heard and saw from those who left Gaza, both residents and hostages.”

Falconer also reflected on his work regarding Iran, Lebanon, and Afghanistan, and highlighted a landmark moment: “It will remain the privilege of my life to have been the first Middle East Minister to recognise a Palestinian state since the Balfour Declaration [1917].”

He added: “I am proud of our efforts to rescue hundreds of people from Gaza, including injured children and young students; and for the first time we sanctioned ministers in the Israeli government for their support for violent settlers in the West Bank.”

Asked for comment on the appointment the FCDO said ministerial roles would be confirmed in the usual way.