Conservatives on the Middle East
ISRAEL
Prime Minister David Cameron:
"Britain is a good friend of Israel and our support for Israel and Israel’s security is something I have described in the past, and will do so again, as unshakeable. We are strong friends of Israel". Downing Street visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu, 5 May 2011
"I understand that in the darkest of days every single one of Israel’s borders was hostile, every one of its neighbours was an enemy and its young men and women had to defend every front. I do not for one moment under-estimate the responsibility to keep Israel safe, or the difficulty of it, or the importance of it. Indeed, I want to be clear, we will always support Israel". CST Annual Dinner, 2 March 2011
"When biased elements in the media paint Israel’s defence of its people as unwarranted aggression, we need to make it clear: when rockets are being launched at Israeli citizens, when children are in danger, Israel is within its rights to protect its people. The friendship we celebrate today has thrived in the long years of Opposition and I know in government, it will deepen, because the ties between this party and Israel are unbreakable. And in me, you have a Prime Minister whose belief in Israel is indestructible". CFI Annual Business Lunch, 13 December 2010
"Israel has more start-ups per capita than any other country. It attracts as much venture capital as France and Germany combined. Its economy grew by 4 per cent last year. And that hasn’t happened by chance. It’s happened by design – a strategic seizing of opportunity by the Israeli government. Public spending – controlled, taxes – cut, innovation and science – invested in, free trade agreements – signed. One by one, they have ticked off the list of what modern, dynamic enterprise economies need". CFI Annual Business Lunch, 13 December 2010
Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon William Hague MP:
"Britain, this British Government and this Foreign Secretary will stand for a secure future for Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people, alongside of course a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. Britain’s support for Israel was there at the very start. We are steadfast in our support for it today. Our belief in Israel’s right to exist is not an issue of discussion or compromise". Sixty Years of British-Israeli Diplomatic Relations Conference, Chatham House, 30 March 2011
"What you can be assured of is that this Government takes the issues of the Middle East and bringing long term peace and security to the Middle East and including to Israel very, very seriously as one of our highest priorities in foreign policy and there will be no lack of energy in the ministerial team in this Government in pushing forward with these objectives". CFI Conference Delegates Reception, 5 October 2010
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon George Osborne MP:
"Well the British Government is absolutely consistent in believing that there should be two states, that that is a lasting solution to the problems / the security problems in the Middle East but at the same time being very clear about our friendship with Israel, the importance of that friendship and I would say actually the security relationship between our two countries on issues like Iran has actually grown under this government over the last 18 months and the economic relationship I've just been talking about is something that's been created in the last 18 months as well. So David Cameron, myself and other prominent members of the government, as well as the many Conservative MPs who are here are all good friends of Israel". CFI Annual Business Lunch 2011, 12 December 2011
"Israel's a remarkable success story when it comes to the development of hi-tech industry and it's really a beacon to the world of how you can foster these small companies that grow into world beating businesses and often the relationship these companies have had is with American companies and what the British Government is seeking to do is strengthen relationship with British companies and British investment". CFI Annual Business Lunch 2011, 12 December 2011
Chairman of Defence Select Committee and CFI Parliamentary Chairman, Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP:
"Everyone in this House should have an interest in Israel, because it is a country that embodies the values that we should stand for. Israel [has] become a bastion of the rule of law, democracy, free speech, business enterprise and family values. If that is not what this country also stands for, I am disappointed". House of Commons, 14 June 2010
Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP:
"Israel's fundamental existence and security remains the United Kingdom's bottom line but we do believe that that can be furthered and enhanced by a negotiated settlement to the problems that have been so long lasting". CFI Conference Delegates Reception, 3 October 2011
"The UK has a strong, deep and comprehensive relationship with Israel. Our economic links which saw trade increase by 25% last year alone, the extraordinary security co-operation we share on issues such as the threat posed by Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon and partnership on high-tech issues such as Life Sciences illustrate this clearly”. Jerusalem, 29 June 2011
HAMAS
Prime Minister David Cameron:
"Any new Palestinian government must reject violence, recognise Israel's right to exist and engage in the peace process, and that Britain would judge it by its actions". Downing Street visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu, 5 May 2011
"There are some in the West who see some sort of equivalence between Israel and Hamas. I do not. Israel is a democracy – Hamas want to create a theocracy. Israel strives to protect innocent life – Hamas target innocent life. And so there can be no doubt, and let me make clear we won’t judge Hamas just on words. Our test is whether their actions show that they are going to end the terror, recognise Israel and accept all previous peace agreements". CFI Annual Business Lunch, June 2009
Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon William Hague MP:
"The House should not forget the role played by Hamas in this conflict. It continues to pursue an ideology of violence and directly to undermine prospects for peace in the region… We call on Hamas to take immediate and concrete steps towards the Quartet principles, unconditionally to release Gilad Shalit, who has been held in captivity for four years, and to end its interference with the operations of non-governmental organisations and UN agencies in Gaza". House of Commons, 2 June 2010
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon George Osborne MP:
Equally we've been clear with the Palestinians that some of their activities and the threats that they have posed, for example Hamas poses to security in Israel, of course is a major block to negotiation". CFI Annual Business Lunch 2011, 12 December 2011
Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP:
"We have no plans to change our position on Hamas. The Quartet principles...remain the benchmark to which Hamas should move towards—that is, a rejection of violence, a recognition of the state of Israel and an acceptance of previous agreements". Foreign Office Oral Questions, 3 May 2011
James Clappison MP:
"There has been no movement at all by Hamas to fulfill the conditions [Quartet principles] – reasonable conditions, which must be met if we are to start making progress towards a peaceful solution. We all know that the prospects for such a solution could exist if Hamas did that. We all know what the outlines of such a solution would be, but Hamas has resolutely stood in the way of any such movement.
It is deep in Hamas’s political structure, and even its charter, to seek to bring about the end of the state of Israel. In those circumstances, Israel cannot reasonably be expected to indulge in negotiations with a state that wants to bring about its demise". European Security and Defence Assembly, 15 June 2010
IRAN
Prime Minister David Cameron:
"When Iran flouts its international obligations Britain is and will remain at the forefront of the international community in ratcheting up the pressure with tough sanctions. We will not stand by and allow Iran to cast a nuclear shadow over Israel or the wider region". CST Annual Dinner, 2 March 2011
"There are no ifs, buts, maybes, I’ve read the reports, and I have had the briefings: they are stockpiling enough uranium to make a nuclear weapon over time. Of course, that’s a huge threat to the world but it’s a particular threat to Israel. Since we came into power we have wasted no time in securing tougher sanctions. We backed tough sanctions in the United Nations – and we championed and led, at meeting after meeting, even tougher sanctions at the European level. Iran needs to know if they continue on this course they will feel international pressure and international isolation". CFI Annual Business Lunch, 13 December 2010
Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon William Hague MP:
"Iran is ramping up its production of uranium enrichment to levels for which it has no plausible civilian use, but which could easily and quickly be converted into weapons-grade material. The uncovering of the recent plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador in the United States also shows Iran’s apparent willingness to sponsor terrorism outside its borders. Iran needs to change direction. We want a negotiated solution and have extended the hand of reconciliation to Iran time and time again. We are prepared to have further talks but only if Iran is prepared to engage in serious negotiations about its nuclear programme without pre-conditions. If not, we must continue to increase the pressure and we are considering with our partners a range of additional measures to that effect. Iran’s actions not only run counter to the positive change that we are seeing elsewhere in the region; they may threaten to undermine it, bringing about a nuclear arms race in the Middle East or the risk of conflict". Middle East Statement, 9 November 2011
"We shall not be distracted from addressing the threat Iran presents to the region. In recent weeks, Iran has tried to suggest events are running in its favour and that popular protests in the region have been inspired by Iranian ideals. I doubt people in the region see Iran as a model of freedom, not least because Iran has brutally suppressed its own protesters. Iran’s treatment of its own people, as well as its attitude to Israel and posturing in the region show that it would be a disaster to let Iran acquire nuclear weapons. Iran should therefore not doubt the resolve of the international community to address the concerns about its nuclear programme. We and our partners will be working hard over the coming months to increase the pressure on Iran to negotiate seriously". Sixty Years of British-Israeli Diplomatic Relations Conference, Chatham House, 30 March 2011
"There is no doubt that Iran has been involved in trying to prop up the Syrian regime. Iran is a country that has supported popular revolution in other parts of the Middle East but then has been happy to collude in trying to repress such revolution in Syria—its ally. It has helped with technical equipment, expertise and advice on how to help the regime to deal with the situation, and it shows a hypocritical approach to events in the Middle East". Foreign Office Oral Questions, 29th November 2011
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon George Osborne MP:
"Israel is right to identify this as one of the greatest threats to peace and human life in the world at the moment. We are very clear about what we need to do to try and stop that and we work with the Israelis and others on trying to achieve that. I think what's clear now is that any excuse that Iran had that there was a peaceful purpose for what they were doing has been blown out of the water. There was a report recently from the IAEA which made that clear". CFI Annual Business Lunch 2011, 12 December 2011
Rob Halfon MP:
"We know well its strong backing of Hezbollah in Lebanon. It supplies Hezbollah with the missiles and the finance that it needs to destabilise the region and to fire attack missiles on Israel. Iran also supports Hamas, and we know what Hamas has done in Gaza, overthrowing the more moderate Palestinian Authority, running a totalitarian mini-state known as Hamastan in Gaza, stopping moves towards peace and regularly firing missiles on Israel.
Iran has also undermined democratic states. Not long ago it fired missiles on to the Kurdish regional Government. It is supporting the Syrian Government of President Assad and his crackdown on the recent anti-Government protests. It has provided the Syrian authorities with equipment, advice and technical know-how to help curtail and monitor internal communications. It has provided material assistance in the form of riot and crowd dispersal material, as well as military training for Syrian troops. Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria are in essence proxies for Iran. We well know that Iran has sent suicide bombers into Iraq and attacked our troops". House of Commons, 13 December 2011
ANTI-SEMITISM
Prime Minister David Cameron:
"It is absolutely wrong that universities should allow speakers to spread messages of anti-Semitism and hate. And it is absolutely wrong for any university authorities to duck their responsibilities to ensure a clear line between free speech which is a fundamental right and intimidation, which is fundamentally wrong". CST Annual Dinner, 2 March 2011
Bob Blackman MP:
"We must always remember the international dimension. Hon. Members have referred to the situation with the President of Iran and in other countries, and to people who seek to deny the holocaust, who seek to deny that anti-Semitism exists, and who promote the view that Israel and people of the Jewish faith should be eliminated from the face of the earth. We have to be constantly on our guard to prevent those people from gaining any semblance of ground". Anti-Semitism Westminster Hall debate, 20th January 2011
Matthew Offord MP:
"Modern anti-Semitism has, out of necessity, become more nuanced and subtle. Anti-Jewish prejudice is often focused on Israel. Jewish people are seen as natural supporters of Israel and, as such, Jewish people throughout the world are seen by some as legitimate targets. That is a concern". Anti-Semitism Westminster Hall debate, 20th January 2011
Robert Halfon MP:
"When it comes to extremism and anti-Semitism, the time for words and appeasement is over. Extreme Islamic groups must be proscribed. Hate preachers must be prevented from coming to the UK by a zero-tolerance policy. The Charity Commission needs to improve the monitoring of these extreme groups' finances, as many have charitable fronts. Finally, there must be a financial penalty for university campuses that do not put their house in order". Anti-Semitism Westminster Hall debate, 20th January 2011
GILAD SHALIT
Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon William Hague MP:
“On the fifth anniversary of the kidnap of Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, we remember his family and call again for his immediate release. For five years Gilad Shalit’s parents Noam and Aviva have been waiting for his return and praying that each day should be the last day of his captivity. It is unacceptable that Gilad Shalit is being held by Hamas without any access to the Red Cross.
Hamas must immediately allow a representative of the Red Cross to visit him. The last sign of life was received on 2 October 2009. Gilad Shalit’s family have been waiting for almost two years for another such message. It is difficult to imagine the pain and anguish they must feel. My thoughts are very much with Gilad and his family on this day. I call again for Hamas to release Gilad Shalit immediately and unconditionally”. FCO Statement, 22 June 2011
"The UK has long called for Gilad Shalit's immediate and unconditional release and we reiterate that call today. It is also vital that Hamas allows the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit Gilad immediately and ensure that he is in good health. His continued captivity without any ICRC access and with only very occasional, minimal contact with his family is utterly unacceptable. We continue to call on Hamas to renounce violence and take immediate and concrete steps towards the Quartet principles and to free Gilad Shalit without delay". FCO Statement, 25 June 2010
Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP:
"It is one of the most glaring of examples of injustice and inequity that runs through the Middle East. The UK Government calls, unconditionally and unreservedly for the release of Gilad Shalit now. There are no preconditions, there is nothing else that must be decided and it would make such a difference to the atmosphere in the Middle East if that could be done". CFI Conference Lunch, 4 October 2010
BOYCOTTS
Prime Minister David Cameron:
"When we see boycotts and calls for boycotts on Israel, we shouldn’t just dismiss them; we should go in completely the opposite direction: showing the world that we are proud to do business with Israel". CFI Annual Business Lunch, 13 December 2010
Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon William Hague MP:
"We will continue to develop our friendly links in other ways and in particular to encourage business and investment to flow even more strongly between the UK and Israel". CFI Conference Delegate’s Reception, 5 October 2010
Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP:
"The UK is resolutely opposed to any campaign of delegitimsation. We also oppose boycotts, which we think are counterproductive". FCO Press Release, 6 July 2011
CONSERVATIVE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL
Prime Minister David Cameron:
"It is great to be at CFI and let me add my own tribute to the Conservative Friends of Israel. What you do in terms of taking people to see Israel for themselves is absolutely invaluable. Seeing is believing. I will never forget the impression it made on me when you see the landscape turn from desert to fertile pasture, when you see the record of that country in turning poverty into prosperity, when you see the creativity, the energy, the dynamism and yes, the democracy. You also get such a strong impression of the problems of security that Israel faces. I will never forget being taken to the Lebanese border and knowing just how precarious Israel’s security is. It is an impression that has stayed with me and that I will never forget". CFI Annual Business Lunch, 13 December 2010
Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP:
"What they appreciated was what they know in terms of CFI, of the way in which it worked but also they appreciated somebody who could speak candidly to friends which is what they wanted. I think they know that anyone who comes through the CFI ranks is likely to have an objective view of the situations but also a relationship with people who matter in Israel and at the moment relationships with people who matter are really very important and I have been glad to take that on". CFI Conference Lunch, 4 October 2010
