Tributes to ‘champion of peace’ Alistair Burt MP, who won’t stand for reelection
Yachad says it is 'sad to hear' the politician won't fight for re-election, calling him a 'thoughtful and highly respected' MP
Jewish campaigners in the UK have paid tribute to two-time Middle East Minister Alistair Burt MP after he said he would not fight the next general election.
Zionist pro-peace group Yachad said it was “sad to hear” that the Conservative North East Bedfordshire MP would not stand again, after voting against the Government over Brexit on Tuesday. He has since had the whip withdrawn.
“Alistair has been a thoughtful and highly respected MP who was always a brilliant champion of peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians,” said Yachad. “He will be missed by all those who work to promote a political resolution to the conflict.”
Burt resigned as Foreign and Commonwealth Office minister for the Middle East in March, over Brexit disagreements. It ended his second stint in the role in the past nine years, during which he earned a reputation for fairness and balance.
In July, he told a Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) conference that he could “see a role” for the UK in the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process, given Donald Trump’s policies.
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