https://www.declassifieduk.org/do-andy-burnhams-sanctions-on-israel-go-far-enough/
Andy Burnham’s decision to impose trade sanctions with Israel’s illegal settlements stands in sharp contrast to this week last year when Keir Starmer welcomed Israel’s president to Downing Street.
Speaking in parliament today, UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband also announced a ban on arms exports that would “materially contribute” to the occupation of Palestine and the advertising of illegal settlement properties in Britain.
Burnham may hope he has now done enough to see off the threat to his left flank from Green party leader Zack Polanski, especially with a tight inner London by-election coming up.
The measures have received a furious reaction from Tel Aviv, with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar announcing the closure of the UK consulate in Jerusalem.
Washington’s ambassador in Jerusalem Mike Huckabee, meanwhile, suggested British firms could now be “banned” from doing business in a number of US states.
But do Burnham’s new sanctions go far enough?
Bloomberg has already reported that British diplomats briefed US counterparts that the move is “largely symbolic” and will have “no material impact on the UK’s wider relationship with Israel on trade or security”.
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Article continues at https://www.declassifieduk.org/do-andy-burnhams-sanctions-on-israel-go-far-enough/
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