UK renames Jerusalem consulate ‘UK Mission’
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- The UK says its diplomatic mission in occupied East Jerusalem will continue operating under the name “UK Mission.”
- Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband reiterated that Britain considers East Jerusalem occupied territory.
The United Kingdom has renamed its diplomatic mission in occupied East Jerusalem the “UK Mission”, rejecting a demand by ‘Israel’ to close the consulate.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the building would remain open and continue operating under its new name from Thursday.
Miliband reiterated Britain’s “long-standing view” that East Jerusalem is occupied territory, saying the UK Mission would remain “independent, operational” and continue providing services and working with the Palestinian people.
Miliband said the UK had temporarily withdrawn several staff members and their families from Jerusalem to “ensure their safety and security.”
The move follows a dispute between London and ‘Israel’ after Britain imposed measures targeting goods produced in illegal ‘Israeli’ settlements in the occupied West Bank.
‘Israel’ had demanded that the British consulate close, while London has rejected its authority to shut the diplomatic mission.
The British diplomatic presence in East Jerusalem has historically handled relations with Palestinians in the occupied territories and provided consular services. Britain’s embassy in Tel Aviv continues to handle relations with the ‘Israeli’ government.
