Home Secretary Theresa May visits Israel
From 29 to 1 July Theresa May was in Israel for her first visit as the UK’s Home Secretary.
During her visit, the Home Secretary commented on the murder of the three Israeli teenagers, saying her thoughts were with the families of Gilad Shaer, Naftali Frenkel and Eyal Yifrah. “There is no reason, belief, or cause that can justify the abduction and killing of innocent civilians. This act of terrorism is particularly grievous and cowardly given it was aimed at three teenagers, boys who were still at school. Britain stands with Israel as its people mourn the loss of their boys.”
During her visit, the Home Secretary held a series of discussions themed around Modern Slavery, protection of minors on the internet, and terrorism. She met with victims of Human Trafficking, and held a roundtable discussion on the subject with civil society and Israeli officials. She also met experts in cyber security, and met some cutting edge Israeli cyber start-ups at a roundtable discussion on internet safety and security organised by the UK-Israel Tech Hub.
During her visit the Home Secretary met Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Interior Minister Gidon Sa’ar, and Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, with whom she discussed different aspects of UK cooperation with Israel, including on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, and on policing.
The Home Secretary visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, and laid a wreath at the Hall of Remembrance in memory of those who perished.
Commenting on the trip, the Home Secretary said:
“On my first visit to Israel as Home Secretary, I was delighted to see first-hand the flourishing partnership between the UK and Israel. I held very positive discussions with my Israeli counterparts, and agreed a range of areas for future cooperation.
“I was deeply moved by my visit to Yad Vashem. It is a powerful reminder of the most terrible crime of history. Remembering is sacred, and the UK stands committed to commemorating the Holocaust, the victims and the survivors.”