London: The BBC has reported that British International Development Secretary held undisclosed meetings in Israel without telling the Foreign Office while accompanied by an influential pro-Israeli Conservative lobbyist. Priti Patel met the leader of one of Israel’s main political parties, and made visits to several organisations. The BBC quoted one source as saying that at least one of the meetings was held at the suggestion of the Israeli ambassador to London.
British diplomats in Israel were not informed about Patel’s plans. The opposition Labour party has called for an investigation to examine whether Patel breached the ministerial code and rules on lobbying.
