Events
Past Events
2012 was an incredibly busy and productive year for all concerned with the Conservative Friends of Israel. Throughout the year, CFI continued to work tirelessly to meet with many of the 150 Conservative MPs of the 2010 intake to ensure that Israel’s case is better understood and voiced in Parliament. CFI’s delegation programme to Israel and the West Bank remains an integral part of our work. CFI led or coordinated three separate delegations to Israel for as many as 25 Conservative MP’s in 2012. These delegations are a valuable educational tool, with MPs benefiting from a first-hand understanding of the complexities of the country and wider-region. CFI’s November delegation, which coincided with Operation Pillar of Defence, gave MPs an immediate insight into the many security threats facing Israel. Whilst the Lords and Commons Cricket Club took part in a landmark cricket tour of Israel, coordinated by CFI, where they experienced how cricket has brought Israeli Arabs, Jewish Israelis and Palestinians together. At home, we hosted a series of well-attended Parliamentary briefing events with leading Israeli politicians, academics and journalists. Alongside our provision of tailored briefings for parliamentary questions and debates, the weekly ‘Informed’ electronic briefing continued to grow in popularity. The new edition of the annual ‘Informed’ magazine, which includes interesting contributions from 8 MPs, received an excellent response. CFI played a key role in arranging the hugely successful Australia Israel UK Leadership Dialogue which took place in London in late December. The forum brought together over 80 senior politicians and decision makers, journalists and businesspeople from the three countries to discuss the issues facing Israel and strengthen trilateral relationships. The event featured notable contributions from Alistair Burt MP, Minister for the Middle East, Ehud Olmert, Israel’s former Prime Minister and Tony Abbott MP, Leader of the Opposition in Australia. CFI once again maintained a strong presence at Conservative Party Conference and this year’s event in Birmingham proved our most successful yet. CFI’s Annual Delegates Reception was as popular as ever with over 400 in attendance to hear a speech from Foreign Secretary Rt Hon William Hague MP. The Foreign Secretary used his speech to affirm that the UK Government would “never waver in our support for peace and security for Israel” and “have no truck ever with those seeking to delegitimise Israel”. CFI hosted its Annual Business Lunch in early December at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel. We were delighted to welcome the Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron MP, as our guest of honour. The Prime Minister praised the “fantastic job” and “important work” that CFI does in taking Conservative MPs to Israel. With over 550 business people and more than 140 Conservative MPs, Peers and MEPs in attendance, the event continues to go from strength to strength. This year’s bumper events schedule also included the CFI Annual Members Reception on the Terrace of the House of Commons in September, which attracted over 250 members and 100+ Conservative MPs, including a number of Cabinet Ministers. CFI began the year with an inaugural event at the House of Commons for young Conservative activists that attracted as many as 100 to hear speeches from Douglas Carswell MP and Tim Montgomerie. Ahead of the London Mayoral Election, CFI took Boris Johnson and his Battle Bus for an unforgettable tour across north-west London with hundreds of activists and supporters turning out to greet the Mayor of London. The Conservative-led Government continued to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Israel. The Government showed support for Israel throughout Operation Pillar of Defence with assertions that Hamas bears “principal responsibility” for the violence and strong condemnation of rocket fired into Israel from Gaza. The Government pledged to support the renewal of direct peace talks, without preconditions, in 2013. In the traditional security sphere, Britain worked closely with Israel on issues like Iran’s nuclear activities. The focal point of the bolstered relationship has been the record-breaking economic partnership, spearheaded by the British Embassy’s UK-Israel Tech Hub. Looking ahead, CFI will continue to work closely at all levels of the Parliamentary Party on a range of campaign issues. The CFI team is already busy making arrangements for an equally extensive schedule of parliamentary delegations to Israel in 2013. The organisation is also keen to keep engaging with its ever growing membership through a reinvigorated events programme. CFI would like to thank you for your continued support! January 2012 • CFI coordinates delegation of Conservative MPs to Israel for Australia Israel UK Leadership Dialogue in Israel. • CFI coordinates Parliamentary Lunch with Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon. February 2012 • CFI Breakfast with H.E. Daniel Taub, Ambassador of Israel. March 2012 • CFI Parliamentary Lunch with Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dan Meridor. April 2012 • Boris Battle Bus tour across north-west London attracts hundreds of activists and supporters. • CFI Parliamentary Briefing with Israeli journalist Amos Harel. May 2012 • CFI Israel delegation of 9 MPs and several Conservative commentators. • CFI Parliamentary Lunch with Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. June 2012 • CFI coordinates Parliamentary Briefing with Dennis Ross, former U.S. Middle East envoy. July 2012 • CFI Parliamentary Lunch with MK Benny Begin and H.E. Daniel Taub, Ambassador of Israel. August 2012 • CFI prepares for Conservative Party Conference. September 2012 • CFI Annual Members Reception at House of Commons Terrace with Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP and H.E. Daniel Taub, Ambassador of Israel. October 2012 • CFI at Conservative Party Conference • CFI coordinates cricket tour to Israel with Lords and Commons Cricket Club. November 2012 • CFI leads Delegation to Israel for 4 MPs • 17 Conservative MPs sign Daily Telegraph letter condemning Hamas rocket attacks on Israel. December 2012 • CFI hosts its Annual Business Lunch with guest of honour Prime Minister David Cameron. • CFI coordinates Australia Israel UK Leadership Dialogue in London attended by 80+ senior parliamentarians and decision makers.CFI's Year in Review 2012
________________________________________CFI’s 2012 Calendar
o Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP
o Guto Bebb MP
o Alistair Burt MP
o Jack Lopresti MP
o Andrew Percy MP
AIULD delegates at the Knesset, Jerusalem
• CFI Parliamentary Lunch with Amos Gilad, Director of Policy and Political-Military Affairs at the Israel Ministry of Defense.
• CFI hosts inaugural Reception for 100 young professionals, activists, and students with Douglas Carswell MP Tim Montgomerie and Deputy Head of Mission, Alon Roth-Snir.
Tim Montgomerie addresses CFI Reception for Young Tory activists
Mayor of London with community leaders during Boris Battle Bus tour of north-west London
o Shaun Bailey
o Nadine Dorries MP
o Rob Halfon MP
o Stephen Hammond MP
o Rebecca Harris MP
o Philip Hollobone MP
o Sajid Javid MP
o Raheem Kassam
o Mark Menzies MP
o Tim Montgomerie
o Sheryll Murray MP
o Amber Rudd MP
CFI Delegation in Jerusalem
• CFI coordinates Parliamentary Briefing with Dr Eran Lerman, Israel’s Deputy National Security Adviser for Foreign Policy and International Affairs.
• CFI 2007 Israel Delegation re-union dinner attended by 15 MPs.
CFI Delegation in Jerusalem back in 2007
• CFI prepares new edition of Informed magazine.
o 250 members and 100+ Conservative MPs attend.
Alistair Burt MP, Minister for the Middle East at the CFI Members Reception
o Annual Delegates Reception attended by over 400 and addressed by Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon William Hague MP.
Foreign Secretary William Hague addressing CFI’s Conservative Party Conference Annual Delegates Reception
o Nigel Adams MP
o Bob Blackman MP
o Crispin Blunt MP
o Richard Graham MP
o Mark Lancaster MP
o Karl McCartney MP
o James Morris MP
o Guy Opperman MP
Lords and Commons Cricket Club in Tel Aviv
o Stuart Andrew MP
o John Howell MP
o Jessica Lee MP
o Paul Uppal MP
CFI Delegation overlooking Syrian border in northern Israel
o Attended by 550 Business people and 140 Conservative MPs, Peers and MEPs
Prime Minister David Cameron at CFI Annual Business Lunch 2012
AIULD delegates hear from Serjeant at Arms, Lawrence Ward, in Parliament
CFI Annual Business Lunch 2012
CFI's Annual Business Lunch 2012 took place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on 11th December. The event was attended by 550 Business people and 140 Conservative Parliamentarians, including 6 members of the Cabinet. Keynote speaker at this year’s lunch was, the Rt Hon David Cameron, the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister David Cameron addressing CFI Annual Business Lunch 2012
On CFI:
On Standing up for Israel in Government:
We said it was ridiculous that Israeli officials felt unable to visit Britain because of the malicious and unfounded use of arrest warrants so we changed the law to end it.
We said we wouldn’t allow preachers of hate into our country – and al Qaradawi had the door to Britain slammed in his face. And while we’re on al Qaradawi, let’s remember: we helped keep in the Mayor who talks up the Jewish community rather than talking it down and helped keep out the Mayor of London who cosied up to poisonous ideologues.
We said we’d resist calls for boycotts on Israel and yes – we are going to keep on working with Israel, doing business with Israel, trading with Israel”. Prime Minister David Cameron, CFI Annual Business Lunch 2012, 11 December 2012
Prime Minister David Cameron addressing CFI Annual Business Lunch 2012
On Israel’s Achievements:
On the Peace Process:
Prime Minister David Cameron addressing CFI Annual Business Lunch 2012
On the UN Vote:
On Palestinian Incitement:
Prime Minister David Cameron and Ambassador Taub
On Hamas and Gaza:
CFI Annual Business Lunch 2012
On Settlements:
On Iran:
Now I know that time for this approach is starting to run out, but we must give it every chance of working. That’s why I have said to Prime Minister Netanyahu that now is the time for tough diplomacy, not for military action. Military action that could have grave consequences for the region. It would only give more fire-power to the regime - a cause to rally its people around, a foreign enemy to hate, and we cannot give that beleaguered regime more oxygen. Instead, we have got to give these sanctions time to work.
But let me be absolutely clear, if Iran makes the wrong choice – nothing – and I mean nothing - is off the table. Britain will work relentlessly to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, not just for the sake of Israel, but for the peace and security of the world”. Prime Minister David Cameron, CFI Annual Business Lunch 2012, 11 December 2012
L-R: Andrew Heller (CFI, Chairman), Hilda Worth (CFI, Deputy Chairman), Prime Minister David Cameron, Ambassador Taub, Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP (CFI, Parliamentary Chairman)
Prime Minister David Cameron and Stuart Polak (CFI, Director)
Sajid Javid MP addressing CFI Annual Business Lunch 2012
Conservative Party Conference 2012
CFI had another extremely successful Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham this year.
The CFI exhibition stand was a hive of activity all week, with hundreds of Conservative delegates from across the party visiting to sample Israeli wine, read CFI literature - including the new edition of Informed magazine - and sign up for membership. This year, CFI signed up over 100 new members who were all entered into a prize draw to win two free return flights to Israel.
Foreign Secretary William Hague at CFI Conference Reception
In addition to the many MPs that visited the stand, CFI welcomed a number of cabinet ministers including, Foreign Secretary Rt Hon William Hague MP, Home Secretary Rt Hon Theresa May MP and Party Chairman Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP.
James Wharton MP and Rob Halfon MP with CFI Staff
On Tuesday, CFI held our Annual Delegates Reception which was addressed by Foreign Secretary Rt Hon William Hague MP and H.E. Daniel Taub, Ambassador of Israel. The extremely successful reception was attended by over 400 conference delegates, activists and Members of Parliament.
Foreign Secretary William Hague at CFI Conference Reception
At the reception, the Foreign Secretary expressed his understanding of what has been a time of great uncertainty in the region for Israel. He emphasised that the British Government would never waver in their support for peace and security for Israel and would have no truck ever with those seeking to delegitimise Israel.
Foreign Secretary William Hague at CFI Conference Reception
On the Middle East Peace Process the Foreign Secretary urged a return to negotiations by both sides.
Additionally, the Foreign Secretary spoke of the Government’s desire to see the military wing of Hezbollah proscribed by the EU.
H.E. Daniel Taub and Foreign Secretary William Hague
Boris Bus Tour
On Sunday 15th April 2012, CFI hosted the extremely successful Boris Battle Bus tour across north-west London with hundreds of activists and supporters turning out to greet the Mayor of London.
Boris Johnson and his Battle Bus with 70+ activists made scheduled stop-offs in Stanmore, Edgware, Golders Green and Hendon.
The mayoral candidate’s whistlestop tour saw Boris make visits to cafes, restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets during which he was presented with platters of bagels and pastries.
An impromptu stump-speech in Stanmore attracted over 100 bystanders, whilst Boris was mobbed by well-wishers in Hendon and Edgware.
Conservetive MPs Bob Blackman MP, Mike Freer MP and Matthew Offord MP were on hand for the day’s activities, along with a number of local Conservative councillors.
Boris Johnson said that he had received a “very warm reception” from the Jewish community and beyond during his visit.
CFI would like to thank all of the activists that joined us on the day and those that helped make preparations.
The London Mayoral Election takes place on Thursday 3rd May.
Click here to find out more about Boris Johnson and his manifesto for a Greater London and how you can get involved in the campaign!
Boris in Stanmore
Boris with Rabbis in Edgware
Boris mobbed in Edgware
Crowds await Boris in Edgware
Boris and Mike Freer MP in Golders Green
CFI’s Year in Review
2011 has been an incredibly busy and productive year for all concerned with the Conservative Friends of Israel.
Throughout the year, CFI has continued to work tirelessly to meet with many of the 150 new Conservative MPs to ensure that Israel’s case is better understood and voiced in Parliament.
CFI’s delegation programme to Israel and the West Bank has been an integral part of our work. CFI has led or coordinated four separate delegations to Israel for as many as 22 Conservative MP’s in 2011. These delegations are a particularly valuable educational tool, with MPs benefiting from a first-hand understanding of the complexities of the country and wider-region.
At home, we have hosted a series of well-attended Parliamentary briefing events with leading Israeli politicians, academics and journalists. Alongside our provision of tailored briefings for parliamentary questions and debates, the weekly ‘Informed’ electronic briefing has continued to grow in popularity. The new edition of the annual ‘Informed’ magazine, which includes interesting contributions from 9 MPs, was warmly received.
CFI once again maintained a strong presence at Conservative Party Conference and this year’s event in Manchester proved our most successful yet. Conference marked the unveiling of CFI’s extremely popular new branding, including a modern logo and pop-up banners. CFI’s Annual Delegates Reception was as popular as ever with over 200 in attendance to hear a speech from Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP. CFI also held a private lunch for 50 parliamentarians, who were addressed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP and H.E. Daniel Taub, the newly instated Ambassador of Israel.
CFI hosted its Annual Business Lunch in early December at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel. We were delighted to welcome the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon George Osborne MP, as our guest of honour who described Israel as a “remarkable success story” during a lively on-stage interview with Daniel Finkelstein, the Executive Editor of The Times. With over 400 business people and more than 120 Conservative MPs, Peers and MEPs in attendance, the event continues to go from strength to strength.
This year’s bumper events schedule also included the popular CFI Annual Members Reception on the Terrace of the House of Commons in September, which attracted over 250 members and 60 Conservative MPs. In May, CFI hosted a Farewell Lunch for the outgoing Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Ron Prosor, which was addressed by Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon William Hague MP.
The Conservative-led Government has been quick to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Israel. In the traditional security sphere, Britain has worked closely with Israel on issues like Iran’s nuclear activities. The centre-point of the newly-bolstered relationship has been the growing economic partnership, spearheaded by the British Embassy’s high-tech hub designed to build to closer ties between burgeoning British and Israeli high-tech firms.
The year also saw a number of high profile visits to Israel by senior Conservative politicians, including Rt Hon George Osborne MP, Minister for Universities and Science, Rt Hon David Willetts MP, and Alistair Burt MP. In London, Prime Minister David Cameron hosted his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Opposition Leader, Tzipi Livni, made a memorable visit after the Conservative Party fulfilled its pre-election pledge to amend universal jurisdiction legislation.
Looking ahead, CFI will continue to work closely at all levels of the Parliamentary Party on a range of campaign issues. The CFI team is already busy making arrangements for an equally extensive schedule of parliamentary delegations to Israel in 2012. The organisation is also keen to engage more with its ever growing membership through a reinvigorated events programme.
CFI would like to thank you for your continued support and the whole team wishes you a very happy holidays.
________________________________________
CFI’s 2011 Calendar
January 2011
• CFI Parliamentary Briefing on Gaza with Yael Ravia-Zadok from the Israel MFA
February 2011
• CFI Israel Delegation of eight new intake MPs led by the Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP
o Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP
o Guto Bebb MP
o Bob Blackman MP
o Phillip Lee MP
o Jack Lopresti MP
o Andrew Percy MP
o James Wharton MP
o Chris White MP
CFI Delegation at Better Place, Tel Aviv
March 2011
• CFI Parliamentary Breakfast for new intake MPs with Dr. Dan Schueftan, University of Haifa
• CFI Parliamentary Briefing with Tal Becker, former Israeli negotiator
• CFI Business Breakfast hosted by Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP
Alistair Burt MP addresses CFI Business Breakfast
April 2011
• CFI Parliamentary Breakfast hosted by Lee Scott MP with Israeli journalist Yaron Deckel
May 2011
• CFI Parliamentary Briefing event with H.E. Matthew Gould, British Ambassador to Israel
• CFI Farewell Lunch for Ambassador Prosor at Park Lane Four Seasons Hotel
o Over 150 guests and 30 Conservative MPs and Peers attend to hear Foreign Secretary William Hague
Rt Hon William Hague greets outgoing Ambassador Ron Prosor
June 2011
• CFI Israel Delegation with six new intake MPs
o Nigel Adams MP
o Aidan Burley MP
o James Morris MP
o Neil Parish MP
o Chloe Smith MP
o Heather Wheeler MP
CFI Delegation at the Western Wall, Jerusalem
July 2011
• CFI Parliamentary Lunch hosted by Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP with Israeli historian Benny Morris
August 2011
• CFI prepares for Conservative Party Conference
o Fringe events organised
o Exhibition stand designed
September 2011
• CFI Annual Members Reception at House of Commons Terrace
o 250 members and 60 Conservative MPs attend
o Addressed by Alistair Burt MP, Minister for the Middle East, and the new Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Daniel Taub
H.E. Daniel Taub, Ambassador of Israel addresses CFI Annual Members Reception
• CFI coordinates Delegation to Israel for 7 MPs
o Angie Bray MP
o Graham Evans MP
o Richard Harrington MP
o Chris Kelly MP
o Kwasi Kwarteng MP
o Jessica Lee MP
o Nadhim Zahawi MP
CFI Delegation meets Deputy Prime Minister, Dan Meridor
October 2011
• CFI rebrands
• CFI at Conservative Party Conference
o Annual Delegates Reception attended by over 200 and addressed by Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP
o Private lunch for MPs held with speeches from Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP and H.E. Daniel Taub
CFI Delegates Reception panel
November 2011
• CFI led a delegation to Israel for Richard Ottaway MP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee
Richard Ottaway MP with Nachman Shai MK,
Chairman of the Knesset UK-Israel Friendship Committee
• CFI Parliamentary Briefing event with H.E. Matthew Gould, British Ambassador to Israel
December 2011
• CFI hosts its Annual Business Lunch with guest of honour, Rt Hon George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer
o Attended by 400 Business people and 120 Conservative MPs, Peers and MEPs
Rt Hon George Osborne and Daniel Finkelstein at CFI ABL
CFI Annual Business Lunch 2011, with Rt Hon George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer
• The Conservative Friends of Israel hosted its Annual Business Lunch on December 12 2011 at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel.
• The event was our most successful yet with over 400 Business people and as many as 120 Conservative MPs, Peers and MEPS.
• Keynote speaker at this year’s lunch was, Rt Hon George Osborne MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer who was interviewed by Daniel Finkelstein, the Executive Editor of The Times.
• In a lively and varied conversation, the Chancellor spoke warmly about the strengthening bilateral relationship between the UK and Israel and emphasised the importance of a return to direct peace talks.
• Discussing his recent trip to Israel, Mr Osborne described Israel as a “remarkable success story”, observing that the economic collaboration between the countries is stronger than ever and that British Ambassador to Israel, Matthew Gould, had developed a “new strand in Anglo-Israeli relations”.
Rt Hon George Osborne MP and Daniel Finkelstein
• Questioned about his reputation for being “very-pro Israel”, the Chancellor stated that “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”.
• Speaking of the UK-Israel bilateral relationship, Mr Osborne explained that the security and economic relationship had strengthened in the last 18 months of a Conservative Government.
Mr Osborne: 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.
• Turning to the Middle East peace process, Mr Osborne restated the Government’s belief that the “solution to the problem is one that is delivered through negotiations between both sides”.
• Discussing the obstacles to a successful peace agreement, Mr Osborne referred to security threats facing Israel.
Rt Hon George Osborne MP and Daniel Finkelstein
• Before turning to economic and business issues, the Chancellor raised the issue of Iran, asserting that “Israel is right to identify this as one of the greatest threats to peace and human life in the world at the moment”.
• Expressing the need to work with Israel to stop Iran’s nuclear programme, Mr Osborne raised the UK’s recent imposition of additional economic sanctions against Iran’s banks, which he described as a “demonstration of this government's determination to use all the tools at our disposal to stop Iran getting a nuclear weapon”.
• Prior to the Osborne-Finkelstein conservation, Conservative MPs Jessica Lee and Nadhim Zahawi provided testimonies of their trip to Israel and the Palestinian Authority with CFI in September.
• Jessica Lee MP asserted that Israel is a “true democracy in the Middle East surrounded by 22 Arab states”, adding that it is “important that parliamentarians are educated about this”.
• The MP for Erewash explained that the “main purpose of the trip is so that we as parliamentarians see for ourselves the many challenges and dynamics of life in Israel and that we return to the UK better informed as a result”.
CFI Chairman Andrew Heller, Jessica Lee MP and Nadhim Zahawi MP
• Ms Lee spoke of the varied itinerary, which included meetings with schoolchildren, teachers, politicians, religious leaders, businessmen, and scientists.
• Describing a meeting with Amos Gilad, the Director of Policy of Political Military Affairs at the Israeli Ministry of Defence, Ms Lee informed the audience that he had informed the CFI delegation that the British Government under David Cameron had “brought a renewed vigour to Anglo–Israeli relations”.
• In her concluding remarks, Jessica Lee MP called on the guests in attendance to be “assured that the friendship between Israel and the Conservative Party remains strong and resilient and our parliamentarians are [an] important part of that relationship”.
• During a moving speech about his Kurdish background, Nadhim Zahawi MP spoke of the need to end genocide and his visit to the “powerful” Yad Vashem museum.
• The Conservative MP for Stratford-On-Avon said he was “very impressed by Israel's culture of education, innovation and enterprise”.
• Mr Zahawi proceeded to address Israel’s security concerns, posed by neighbouring states and Iran’s nuclear programme.
• CFI were also delighted to hear speeches from H.E. Daniel Taub, Ambassador of Israel and Rt Hon James Arbuthnot, CFI’s Parliamentary Chairman.
H.E. Ambassador Daniel Taub addresses CFI ABL 2011
• CFI would like to thank all those that attended the lunch and made it such a successful, enjoyable event.
CFI Annual Business Lunch 2010, with David Cameron MP, the Prime Minister
“In me, you have a Prime Minister whose belief in Israel is indestructible.”
This year the Conservative Friends of Israel Annual Business Lunch took place at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel. The event was attended by over 500 Business people and 150 Conservative MPs, Peers and MEPs. Keynote speaker at this year’s lunch was, David Cameron MP, the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister received a standing ovation from the 650 strong audience when he stated that in him, Britain has a Prime Minister whose ‘belief in Israel is indestructible’.
Economy
To read the speech in full click here
CFI at Conservative Party Conference 2010
The CFI exhibition stand was a hive of activity all week, with hundreds of Conservative delegates from across the party visiting and over 100 new members signed up.
On Monday 4th October, CFI held a private lunch for 50 MPs, and a wealth of MEPs, Lords and key party officials. Guests were addressed by Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Minister for the Middle East and South Asia, H.E. Ron Prosor, Ambassador of Israel and Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP, Chairman of CFI’s Parliamentary Group.
The following day, CFI hosted its Annual Delegates Reception, with in excess of 400 in attendance to witness speeches from Foreign Secretary William Hague MP, Alistair Burt MP, H.E. Ambassador Prosor, James Arbuthnot MP and Andrew Heller, CFI’s Executive Board Chairman.
CFI is especially delighted to announce that our Free Gilad Shalit campaign which was launched at this year’s Conference was signed by as many as 1,000 people in just three days. The petition was presented to Foreign Secretary Hague during the Delegates Reception.
CFI’s Director, Stuart Polak, welcomed this achievement, stating that the number of Conservative Ministers, MPs, Councillors and activists which had signed it, “demonstrates better than anything the widespread support for the plight of Gilad Shalit and the understanding of Israel’s case across all levels of the Conservative Party”.
