Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has confirmed that Britain’s diplomatic building in Jerusalem will not close and will be known as the UK Mission, Jerusalem from 8 October, following talks with the Israeli government.
Miliband said the Government did not accept that Israel had the legal right to close the nearly 200-year-old British presence. He restated the UK’s position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory.
Mission remains independent
The mission will remain independent and operational, continuing its services and work with Palestinians. The Government says the arrangement preserves Britain’s role in support of a two-state solution.
A number of staff and family members have been withdrawn temporarily for safety and security reasons. Miliband said the Government would work over the coming months to rebuild the mission’s presence.
No reciprocal action while talks remain credible
The Foreign Secretary also said Britain would not take reciprocal action while discussions with Israel remained credible. He linked the decision to measures announced by the UK and international partners on 8 September.
The change of name does not amount to recognition of any change in the legal status of East Jerusalem.
