Historically we have always been a great friend of Israel. Indeed, it was the Balfour Declaration in 1917 that set the blueprint for what we then saw emerge after World War Two, the state of Israel.
And we have been steadfast supporters of that country, as indeed have the Americans. But something significant has changed since October the 7th and last night at the UN Security Council, we were one of the countries that voted for a ceasefire.
Now, I'm pleased to say the one good thing was that it did demand the unconditional release of the hostages.
But it's still surprising, given that it is stated Israeli policy, that they will go after the Hamas terrorists, surprising that we voted for that resolution in many ways, but David Cameron, Lord Cameron as Foreign Secretary, has steadily been shifting that position.
Nigel Farage slams 'growing prejudice' against Israel in the UK
GB News
Add to that an incident that took place at Manchester Airport yesterday evening - two brothers, Neria and Daniel Sharabi, were coming into the country from Israel.
I tell you what, I bet nobody who comes into Dover via dinghy gets spoken to like that. But it was something else that was said that was even more controversial.
Michael Ellis, Conservative Member of Parliament, stood up in the House of Commons today and explained all: "Mr Speaker, the terrorist attack of the 7th of October on Israel has provoked widespread antisemitism in this country and around the world, and the latest manifestation of this was at Manchester airport yesterday, where Border Force apparently did not want Israeli Jews to enter this country.
"Two innocent victims of the music festival slaughter were berated and told, and I quote, we have to make sure that you are not going to do what you're doing in Gaza over here. This is to two victims of the Nova Music Festival. Blaming all Jews for the actions of their country is obviously antisemitic. These are people in uniform acting for this country as Border Force officers. It is a disgrace beyond all proportion. Their detention was clearly unlawful for several hours. They're being offered free legal representation, which I would urge them to take up. Can the Deputy Foreign Secretary confirm that Jews and Israelis are still welcome to enter this country?"
I thought Michael Ellis put that pretty well. And I sense that there is a growing prejudice against Israel and the people from Israel beginning to run right through our public services now.
Now I'm all for Border Force doing their job. Absolutely. I'm all for strong borders. But if what has been said is true, then it is pretty disgraceful stuff.
I'm going to ask you a question. Have we betrayed Israel? Some will think that's far too strong a question.
But you know what? That's how it feels to me. I see a shift in our attitudes towards Israel and Israelis, and I see it from Lord Cameron right the way down through Border Force and our public services.
