UK minister praises Israel's 'commitment to robust democratic governance' after flotilla row

UK minister praises Israel's 'commitment to robust democratic governance' after flotilla row Submitted by Imran Mulla on Fri, 05/22/2026 - 15:01 Dan Jarvis made the comments at an event celebrating Israel's 78th independence day on the day of Itamar Ben Gvir's flotilla abuse video Dan Jarvis addressing the House of Commons in London in November 2025 (AFP) Off The UK 's security minister has paid tribute to the country's "deep rooted" relationship with Israel  and hailed the "commitment to robust democratic governance, rule of law, and judicial independence" that he believes both nations share. Dan Jarvis's remarks came at a celebration of Israel's 78th independence day. The event, also attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's parliamentary private secretary, was held on Wednesday just after video footage showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir taunting activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla went  viral online . On Thursday, the British Foreign Office announced it had summoned Israel's top diplomat in the country, the charge d'affaires Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, over the incident. "This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people," the Foreign Office said . "We are also deeply concerned by the detention conditions depicted and have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities. We made clear their obligations to protect the rights of all those involved." But the day before - the day the footage was released - Jarvis delivered a speech over video to the anniversary event. He said the Labour Party "has long been an advocate of the Jewish state". According to a report in Jewish News, the ...

Original source: Middle East Eye