THE Labour government has been accused of “rewarding Israel for its war crimes” after announcing trade talks will be reopened with the nation.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that discussions are being held with Israel, as well as a host of other countries including India and the Gulf Co-operation Council – which brings together Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Reynolds said that government teams will be “entering negotiating rooms as soon as possible” and are “laser-focused on creating new opportunities for UK firms”.
READ MORE: PFI series: Will Labour revive controversial funding method?
But amid Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza and calls to divest and halt arms sales to Israel, the move has been condemned by campaigners.
Tim Bierley from Global Justice Now said: "The Government is effectively rewarding Israel for its war crimes, pursuing deeper trade ties even while the country is committing grave human rights abuses in Gaza.
"As millions of people are living on the edge of famine in Gaza and Israeli bombs continue to rain down on civilian centres, the UK should be using all its means to force a ceasefire.
"This means suspending trade preferences and talks with Israel, not cosying up further to a regime that flies in the face of international law.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray (above), meanwhile, hailed it as “great news” for Scotland, suggesting striking trade deals with nations including Israel could see exports of Scottish products – such as whisky – increase further.
The Scottish Secretary said: “Trade talks resuming between the UK Government and our global business partners is great news for Scotland. Brand Scotland means selling our country and all the amazing things we have to offer to the world and that is exactly what we intend to do.
“It will pave the way for further exports of Scotland’s world-class whisky and award-winning produce, as well as our expertise in financial and technology services – all crucial for driving economic growth that will unlock investment, support jobs and boost opportunity.
“I look forward to ensuring Scotland’s trade interests are championed on a worldwide scale.”
READ MORE: PFI series: Will Labour revive controversial funding method?
The talks come as the Labour Government seeks ways to grow the UK economy, with a new trade strategy also planned.
Reynolds stressed: “Boosting trade abroad is essential to deliver a strong economy at home. That’s why I’ve wasted no time taking stock of progress and getting ready to press on with trade talks with our international partners.
“From the Gulf to India, our trade programme is ambitious and plays to the UK’s strengths to give British businesses access to some of the most exciting economies in the world.
“Our teams will be entering negotiating rooms as soon as possible, laser-focused on creating new opportunities for UK firms so they can support jobs across the country and deliver the growth we desperately need.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel