Robert Jenrick, a prominent figure in the Conservative Party leadership race, has proposed displaying the Star of David at all UK entry points to demonstrate solidarity with Israel. Speaking at a Conservative Friends of Israel reception during the party conference, Jenrick expressed his desire for Britain to be exceptionally welcoming to Israelis and the Jewish community.
Jenrick revealed that as immigration minister, he advocated for Israeli citizens to use e-gates when entering the UK. This move would result in the Star of David being visible at every airport and entry point, symbolizing Britain's support for Israel. The proposal comes amidst ongoing discussions about the UK's relationship with Israel and its stance on Middle Eastern affairs.
In a bold statement, Jenrick pledged to relocate the British embassy to Jerusalem if elected Prime Minister, saying he would personally oversee the construction if faced with resistance from the Foreign Office or civil servants. This proposal aligns with the ongoing debate surrounding Jerusalem's status as Israel's capital, a topic of international contention.
The event featured appearances from all four remaining Tory leadership candidates, including Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat, who all expressed strong support for Israel. Their statements reflect the Conservative Party's traditionally close ties with Israel, a relationship that has been a cornerstone of UK foreign policy for decades.
Andrew Mitchell, the shadow foreign secretary, addressed the audience, criticizing the use of terms like "apartheid" and "genocide" to describe the situation in Gaza. He argued that such language would disturb those who fought against Hitler and South African apartheid, emphasizing the need for more measured discourse.
Mitchell defended Israel's actions, suggesting that in today's climate, even historical events like D-Day might be branded as illegitimate due to civilian casualties. This comparison highlights the complex nature of modern conflicts and the challenges in applying historical perspectives to current events.
"There is a deeply toxic trend that has spread like wildfire, a desire not only to demonise but to de-legitimise the Jewish state to the point of turning back the clock to the time it did not exist."
The event also touched on domestic political issues, with Kemi Badenoch expressing concern about a new group of pro-Gaza MPs in Parliament, describing them as a "new threat" elected on the basis of sectarianism. This comment reflects the ongoing debates within UK politics regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on domestic affairs.
As the Conservative Party leadership race continues, the candidates' strong pro-Israel stances demonstrate the significance of foreign policy, particularly Middle Eastern relations, in shaping their political platforms. The proposals and statements made at this event are likely to influence discussions on UK-Israel relations in the coming months.