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UK Ambassador: Growing economic ties show Israel boycott efforts failing
UK Ambassador to Israel, Matthew Gould yesterday said that growing UK-Israel trade and increased economic ties between the two countries are evidence that efforts to encourage a boycott targeting Israel are failing.
Speaking to economic reporters at his Ramat Gan residence, Gould said, “If the boycott were getting any popular traction, that would be having an impact on the economic figures.” Instead, trade between the two countries has increased by 26 per cent on the same period last year and during 2014, eight Israeli companies have listed on the London Stock Exchange. According to the Jerusalem Post, Gould who has consistently reiterated the government’s opposition to boycotts concluded, “I don’t think the boycott is having an effect on the economic relationship.”
However, Gould warned that “there is a level of frustration in Europe with repeated announcements toward settlements” by Israeli officials, which may encourage consumers to avoid purchasing goods produced beyond the pre-1967 borders.
Nonetheless, the UK Ambassador pointed to the potential for further growth in tech cooperation between the two countries, commenting, “We feel that there still exists unrealized potential to advance R&D cooperation with the UK.” It is a sentiment which was echoed recently by Israel’s Chief Scientist Avi Hasson, who visited London and said that there is great Israeli enthusiasm to cooperate more closely with the London tech industry.
Last month, Middle East Minister Tobias Ellwood visited Israel and met with Israeli tech entrepreneurs who discussed their collaboration with British partners, facilitated by the UK-Israel Tech Hub. Increasing bilateral scientific and technological cooperation includes a joint fund to research cyber defence announced in May, which is worth £1.2million. In addition, there is ongoing collaboration in life sciences and health research, including a £12.5million joint research fund for dementia, a project which incorporates collaboration between Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva and the National Health Service.