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{{Short description|Parlimentarian group in UK supporting closer ties with Israel}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2015}} {{Use British English|date=February 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox organization
'''Labour Friends of Israel''' ('''LFI''') is a group in the ], affiliated to the ], that promotes support for a strong bilateral relationship between ] and ], and seeks to strengthen ties between the British and the ]. LFI supports a ] to the ], with Israel recognised and secure within its borders and the establishment of a viable ].<ref>{{cite news |author=] and Jones, James |title=Friends in high places|work=]|date=16 November 2009 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/nov/16/israel-friends-lobby-uk-politicians|accessdate=31 January 2010 }}</ref>
| name = Labour Friends of Israel
| former name =
| image = Labour Friends of Israel.png
| image_border =
| size = <!-- default 200px -->
| alt = <!-- alt text; see ] -->
| caption =
| abbreviation = LFI
| predecessor =
| successor =
| formation = {{start date|1957|10}}
| founder =
| extinction = <!-- {{End date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| merger =
| merged =
| type = <!-- ], ], ], ], etc -->
| status =
| purpose = Promotes support for a strong bilateral relationship between ] and ]
| headquarters = London
| location =
| membership = 120
| language = English
| general = <!-- Secretary General -->
| leader_title = Honorary President
| leader_name = ]<ref name="Harpin">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/dame-louise-ellman-becomes-new-labour-friends-of-israel-chair-1.487239 |title=Dame Louise Ellman becomes new Labour Friends of Israel chair |last=Harpin |first=Lee |date=7 August 2019 |work=] |access-date=7 August 2019}}</ref>
| leader_title2 = Parliamentary Chair
| leader_name2 = ]
| leader_title3 = Lay Chair
| leader_name3 = ]
| leader_title4= Director
| leader_name4 = Michael Rubin
| key_people =
| main_organ = <!-- gral. assembly, board of directors, etc -->
| num_staff =
| num_volunteers =
| website = {{Official website|https://www.lfi.org.uk/}}
| remarks =
}}


'''Labour Friends of Israel''' ('''LFI''') is a group in the ] that advocates a strong bilateral relationship between the ] and ], and seeks to strengthen ties between the British ] and the ]. LFI says it supports a ] to the ], with Israel recognised and secure within its borders, and the establishment of a viable ].<ref name="a208">{{cite web | title=About Labour Friends of Israel | website=Labour Friends of Israel | date=2013-01-22 | url=https://www.lfi.org.uk/about/ | access-date=2024-06-05}}</ref> {{as of|2020|07}}, it comprises around one quarter of the ] and one third of the ].<ref name="Judah">{{cite news|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/labour-friends-of-israel-director-to-step-down-1.502020|title=Labour Friends of Israel director to step down in September|last=Judah|first=Jacob|date=29 July 2020|access-date=2 September 2020|work=The Jewish Chronicle}}</ref>
==History==
LFI was founded in October 1957 at a public rally at the ],<ref name=lfi50years>{{cite web |title=Labour Friends of Israel – 50 Years|url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/50_years |author=Labour Friends of Israel |date=8 December 2008 }}</ref> and has developed into one of the larger special interest groups in the British Labour Party, drawing wide support from ] and ]. Labour Friends of Israel has a large membership, organised into local branches. Seeking to strengthen the bond between the British Labour Party and the ], it organises meetings of senior figures in both the UK and Israel.


== History ==
===New Labour-era and height of prominence===
In 2003, LFI described itself as "a ] based lobby group working within the British Labour Party to promote the State of Israel".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lfi1.dircon.co.uk/about.html|title=Labour Friends Of Israel website – about us|date=1 August 2003|accessdate=10 December 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030801165548/http://www.lfi1.dircon.co.uk/about.html|archivedate=1 August 2003}}</ref> LFI was founded at the 1957 ].<ref name=lfi50years>{{cite web |title=Labour Friends of Israel – 50 Years |url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/50_years |author=Labour Friends of Israel |date=8 December 2008 |access-date=18 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110181848/http://www.lfi.org.uk/50_years |archive-date=10 January 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Its membership is organised into local branches. Seeking to strengthen the bond between the Labour Party and the ], it organises meetings of senior figures in both the UK and Israel.
It has been described as "less unquestioning in its support of the Israeli government than the ]".<ref name="guard"/> Between 2001 and 2009 LFI sponsored more than 60 MPs to visit Israel, more than any other group.<ref name="guard">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/nov/16/pro-israel-lobby-conservatives-channel4-dispatches|title=Pro-Israel lobby group bankrolling Tories, film claims|last=Black|first=Ian|date=16 November 2009 |work=]|accessdate=16 November 2009}}</ref>


=== 2000–2015 ===
In 2011, LFI adopted a new strategy of becoming a wider membership organisation and operating under the slogan "Working Towards a Two-State Solution". In 2010, ], previously director of ], was appointed director, and in 2011 ] was appointed chair.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/37979/new-strategy-labour-friends-israel |title=New strategy for Labour Friends of Israel |author=Marcus Dysch |date=7 September 2010 |work=] |accessdate=13 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/43687/israel-friends-change-tack-and-relaunch |title=Israel friends change tack and relaunch |author=Bright, Martin |date=13 January 2011 |work=] |accessdate=13 October 2011}}</ref><ref name=jc-20111019>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/56633/labour-friends-go-israel |title=Labour Friends go to Israel |author=Dysch, Marcus |date=19 October 2011 |work=] |accessdate=13 October 2011}}</ref> Dame ] succeeded Woodcock as chair in May 2013.<ref name= McGuire>{{cite news|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/107300/stirling-mp-anne-mcguire-chair-labour-friends-israel |work=] |title=Stirling MP Anne McGuire to chair Labour Friends of Israel|date=9 May 2013|accessdate=24 June 2013}}</ref>
In 2003, LFI described itself as "a Westminster based lobby group working within the British Labour Party to promote the State of Israel".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lfi1.dircon.co.uk/about.html|title=Labour Friends Of Israel website – about us|date=1 August 2003|access-date=10 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030801165548/http://www.lfi1.dircon.co.uk/about.html|archive-date=1 August 2003}}</ref>
It has been described as "less unquestioning in its support of the Israeli government than the ]".<ref name="guard" /> Between 2001 and 2009, LFI sponsored more than 60 MPs to visit Israel, more than any other group.<ref name="guard">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/nov/16/pro-israel-lobby-conservatives-channel4-dispatches|title=Pro-Israel lobby group bankrolling Tories, film claims|last=Black|first=Ian|date=16 November 2009 |work=]|access-date=16 November 2009}}</ref>


In 2010, Jennifer Gerber, previously director of ] and before that, special advisor to ], was appointed director.
===Corbyn-era and divisions within party===
With the ascent to the leadership of the Labour Party of ], who has a history of support for ], the relationship between the LFI and the party leadership became more complicated, despite maintaining a large presence in the Parliamentary Labour Party. In 2015 ], MP for Enfield North, succeeded McGuire, becoming the new chair.<ref name=jc-20150810>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/141925/dont-vote-jeremy-corbyn-urges-new-labour-friends-israel-chair-joan-ryan |title=Don't vote for Jeremy Corbyn, urges new Labour Friends of Israel chair Joan Ryan |author=Marcus Dysch |newspaper=Jewish Chronicle |date=10 August 2015 |accessdate=1 May 2016}}</ref> Members of LFI, along with the ] and the ] have taken part in protests critical of the Corbyn leadership, stating that ] is present in the Labour Party under his tenure.


In 2011, LFI adopted a new strategy of becoming a wider membership organisation and of operating under the slogan "Working Towards a Two-State Solution".
In early 2017, '']'' released a four-part documentary entitled ''The Lobby'', which looked at the Israel lobby in the United Kingdom and the Labour Party especially.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/investigations/thelobby/|title=The Lobby|newspaper=Al Jazeera |date = January 2017 |accessdate=1 May 2018}}</ref> A member of Israeli embassy staff, Shai Masot, was recorded "plotting" to take down British MPs who favour recognition of a Palestinian state; links to the Labour Friends of Israel were put under the spotlight.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/08/israeli-diplomat-shai-masot-plotted-against-mps-set-up-political-groups-labour |title=Israeli diplomat who plotted against MPs also set up political groups |author=Ewen MacAskill |newspaper=The Guardian |date=8 January 2017 |accessdate=1 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/labour-dismiss-complaint-against-joan-ryan-mp-over-al-jazeera-series/ |title=Labour dismiss complaint against Joan Ryan MP over Al Jazeera series |author=Justin Cohen |newspaper=Jewish News |date=21 March 2017 |accessdate=1 May 2018}}</ref>


In 2011, ] was appointed chair,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/37979/new-strategy-labour-friends-israel |title=New strategy for Labour Friends of Israel |author=Dysch, Marcus |date=7 September 2010 |work=] |access-date=13 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/43687/israel-friends-change-tack-and-relaunch |title=Israel friends change tack and relaunch |author=Bright, Martin |author-link= Martin Bright|date=13 January 2011 |work=] |access-date=13 October 2011}}</ref><ref name=jc-20111019>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/56633/labour-friends-go-israel |title=Labour Friends go to Israel |author=Dysch, Marcus |date=19 October 2011 |work=] |access-date=13 October 2011}}</ref> followed in May 2013 by Dame ] and,<ref name= McGuire>{{cite news|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/107300/stirling-mp-anne-mcguire-chair-labour-friends-israel |work=] |title=Stirling MP Anne McGuire to chair Labour Friends of Israel|date=9 May 2013|access-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> in 2015, ].<ref name=jc-20150810>{{cite news |url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/141925/dont-vote-jeremy-corbyn-urges-new-labour-friends-israel-chair-joan-ryan |title=Don't vote for Jeremy Corbyn, urges new Labour Friends of Israel chair Joan Ryan |author=Marcus Dysch |newspaper=] |date=10 August 2015 |access-date=1 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/dame-louise-ellman-becomes-new-labour-friends-of-israel-chair-1.487239|title=Dame Louise Ellman becomes new Labour Friends of Israel chair|last=Harpin|first=Lee|date=7 August 2019|access-date=7 August 2019|work=]}}</ref>
==Related groups==
The charitable Yigal Allon Educational Trust, founded in 1985 by former Prime Minister ], ] MP, ] and others, has supported Labour Friends of Israel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stoneashdown.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=46|title=Yigal Allon Educational Trust |publisher=Stone Ashdown Trust |accessdate=17 November 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109063437/http://www.stoneashdown.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=46 |archivedate=9 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{EW charity |327009 |Yigal Allon Educational Trust}}</ref> Labour Friends of Israel is a distinct organisation to the ], the affiliated ] and successor to the UK's ].


In 2014, ], a corporate lawyer, the chair of the ], a trustee of the ] and a deputy of the ], was appointed Lay Chair.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/miliband-warms-the-hearts-of-the-labour-friends-1.55374?highlight=Adrian+Cohen|title=Miliband warms the hearts of the Labour Friends|last=Rocker|first=Simon|date=19 June 2014|access-date=18 October 2019|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejlc.org/adrian_cohen|title=Adrian Cohen|access-date=25 September 2019|work=Jewish Leadership Council}}</ref>
==Members of LFI==

As of August 2018, around 80 MPs and 20 members of the House of Lords were supporters.<ref>{{cite web |title=LFI Supporters In Parliament |url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/in-parliament/ |website=Labour Friends of Israel |publisher=Labour Friends of Israel |accessdate=24 August 2018}}</ref> In alphabetical order, former and current members of Labour Friends of Israel include:
=== 2016 onwards ===
* ], former Treasurer<ref name=jcabrahams>{{cite web |url=http://www.thejc.com/home.aspx?ParentId=m11&SecId=11&AId=56890&ATypeId=1 |title=David Abrahams gave in secret ‘to quell conspiracy fears’ |author=Symons, Leon|work=]|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071209172859/http://www.thejc.com/home.aspx?ParentId=m11&SecId=11&AId=56890&ATypeId=1 |archivedate = 9 December 2007|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
With the ascent to the leadership of the Labour Party, in September 2015, of ], who has a history of support for ], the relationship between the LFI and the party leadership deteriorated.
* ]<ref name=whoweare>{{cite web |url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/who_we_are |title=Who We Are |publisher=Labour Friends of Israel |

archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080727005100/http://www.lfi.org.uk/who_we_are |archivedate=27 July 2008}}</ref>
LFI had been depleted of Parliamentary supporters who had lost their seats at the ]. In 2016, LFI announced it had trebled its number of Parliamentary supporters, stating that 65 MPs had pledged to back the group, at a time when many MPs rebelled against the leadership of the party. LFI re-branded itself as "Labour Friends of Israel: For Israel, For Palestine, For Peace", created a Young LFI group, and stated it would support the ]'s international fund.<ref name=haaretz-20160922>{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/u-k-labour-party-pro-israel-group-triples-support-1.5441333 |title=U.K Labour Party pro-Israel Group Triples Support Ahead of Relaunch |newspaper=Haaretz |date=22 September 2016 |access-date=31 January 2019}}</ref><ref name=jc-20160922>{{cite news |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/mps-%EF%AC%82ock-to-support-labour-israel-group-1.53362 |title=MPs flock to support Labour Israel group |last=Dysch |first=Marcus |work=] |date=22 September 2016 |access-date=12 August 2018}}</ref>
* Sir ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stuartbellmp.org/biography.htm |author=Bell, Stuart |title=Sir Stuart Bell MP, Biography |date=30 January 2008 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080130071351/http://www.stuartbellmp.org/biography.htm |archivedate = 30 January 2008}}</ref>

* ], former Director of LFI<ref>{{cite news| title = Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson could run for parliament in Liverpool| work = ]| date = 5 February 2010| url = http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/02/05/royle-family-star-ricky-tomlinson-could-run-for-parliament-in-liverpool-wavertree-100252-25766877/| accessdate = 7 February 2010 }}</ref>
In early 2017, '']'' released a four-part documentary entitled '']'', which investigated aspects of the ], particularly relating to the Labour Party.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/investigations/thelobby/|title=The Lobby|newspaper=Al Jazeera |date = January 2017 |access-date=1 May 2018}}</ref> A member of Israeli embassy staff, Shai Masot, was recorded "plotting" to take down British MPs who favour recognition of a Palestinian state; links to the Labour Friends of Israel were put under the spotlight, including a reference to the availability of £1m from the Israeli government.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/08/israeli-diplomat-shai-masot-plotted-against-mps-set-up-political-groups-labour |title=Israeli diplomat who plotted against MPs also set up political groups |author=MacAskill, Ewen |work=] |date=8 January 2017 |access-date=1 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/labour-dismiss-complaint-against-joan-ryan-mp-over-al-jazeera-series/ |title=Labour dismiss complaint against Joan Ryan MP over Al Jazeera series |author=Cohen, Justin |newspaper=] |date=21 March 2017 |access-date=1 May 2018}}</ref>
* ], former ]<ref name="Uni">Assaf Uni, , ], 10 December 2007.</ref><ref name="Temko">], , '']'', 2 December 2007.</ref>

* ], former ]<ref name=whoweare/>
In March 2018, supporters of LFI, along with the ] and the ], took part in a protest critical of the Corbyn leadership, stating that ] was present in the Labour Party.
* ], former ]<ref name="Uni"/><ref name="Temko"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Speech by Gordon Brown to the LFI Annual Reception |date=25 September 2007 |author=] |publisher=Labour Friends of Israel |url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/news///Speech_by_Gordon_Brown |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219224040/http://www.lfi.org.uk/news///Speech_by_Gordon_Brown |archivedate=19 December 2007 |df= }}</ref>

* ]<ref name=whoweare/> and former ]
In February 2019, after having lost a vote of no confidence by her local constituency Labour Party,<ref>{{cite news |title=Labour's Joan Ryan and Gavin Shuker lose no-confidence votes|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-45445297|work = ]|date = 7 September 2018|access-date = 21 April 2020}}</ref> ] resigned from the Labour Party to join the recently formed ] but retained her position as Chair of LFI. She became Honorary President in August 2019 and Dame ] succeeded her as Parliamentary Chair.<ref name="Harpin" /> In October 2019, Ellman resigned from the Labour Party.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-50077384|title=MP Louise Ellman quits Labour Party|date=17 October 2019 |access-date = 5 December 2022|work = ]}}</ref> Neither stood for reelection in the 2019 general election. However, despite resigning from the Labour Party, they remained members of LFI.<ref name="LFI181019">{{cite web |url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/in-parliament/|title=LFI Supporters in Parliament|work=Labour Friends of Israel|date=18 October 2019}}</ref>
* ], former ]<ref name=whoweare/>

* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
As of July 2020, around a quarter of the Parliamentary Labour Party and a third of the shadow cabinet were members of the group.<ref name="LFI2020LL">{{cite web |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/09/labour-frontbench-mps-join-labour-friends-of-israel-as-new-vice-chairs/|title=Labour frontbench MPs join Labour Friends of Israel as new vice-chairs|work=Labour List|date=9 September 2020}}</ref> In September 2020, Jennifer Gerber stepped down as director and was replaced by Michael Rubin.<ref name="Judah" /> In September 2020, LFI doubled its number of vice-chairs to 11, with the addition of: ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/labour-friends-of-israel-doubles-number-of-vice-chairs-to-11/ |title=Labour Friends of Israel doubles number of vice-chairs to 11 |newspaper=] |date=9 September 2020 |access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref>
* ] <ref name=whoweare/>

* ]<ref name= "Wright">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/anger-grows-within-labour-over-forced-palestinian-vote-9788395.html| work=] |title= Anger grows within Labour over forced Palestinian vote|date=10 October 2010 |author = Wright, Oliver|accessdate= 23 February 2015 }}</ref>
=== Related groups ===
* ], Vice Chair of LFI <ref name=whoweare/>
The Yigal Allon Educational Trust, founded in 1985 by former Prime Minister ], ] MP, ] and others, has supported Labour Friends of Israel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stoneashdown.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=46|title=Yigal Allon Educational Trust |publisher=Stone Ashdown Trust |access-date=17 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109063437/http://www.stoneashdown.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=46 |archive-date=9 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{EW charity|327009|Yigal Allon Educational Trust}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=May 2024}}
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>

* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
== Parliamentary supporters of LFI ==
* ], former Vice Chair of LFI (2004)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo010704/halltext/10704h02.htm |title=House of Commons Hansard Debates |author=] |date=4 July 2001 |publisher=House of Commons, UK }}</ref>
As of February 2022, the Officers, sitting MPs, Lords and former members who were supporters of LFI are set out below.
* ], former Vice-Chair of LFI
=== Officers ===
* ], first Chair of LFI (1957)<ref name=lfi50years/>
Labour (unless otherwise stated)
* ], Chair of LFI (2010)<ref name=whoweare/>

* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ]: Chair<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title=Labour Friends of Israel announces new parliamentary chair |url=https://www.lfi.org.uk/labour-friends-of-israel-announces-new-parliamentary-chair/ |access-date=23 September 2024 |website=Labour Friends of Israel }}</ref>
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ]: Vice-Chair<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |date=2024-11-27 |title=Labour Friends of Israel announces three new honorary vice-chairs |url=https://www.lfi.org.uk/labour-friends-of-israel-announces-three-new-honorary-vice-chairs/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=Labour Friends of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref>
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ]: Vice-Chair<ref name=":0" />
* ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/lfi-supporters-in-parliament/|title=LFI supporters in Parliament|access-date=2016-07-03}}</ref>
* ]: Vice-Chair<ref name=":0" />
* ] QC, former President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews
* ]
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ], Chair of LFI (2007)<ref name=whoweare/> * ]
* ]
* ], former Vice-Chair of LFI <ref>{{cite web | url=http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-envoy/esummit-speakers/$file/lewis.htm |year=2003 |title=Speaker Biographies, Ivan Lewis MP |author=H. M. Cabinet Office }}</ref>
* ]
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ]
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ]
* ], Vice-Chair of LFI<ref name="Ban">{{cite news | url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/130528/labour-mp-michael-mccann-calls-total-hamas-ban | title=Labour MP Michael McCann calls for total Hamas ban | work=] | date=25 February 2015 | accessdate=26 February 2015 | author=Dysch, Marcus}}</ref>
* ]
* ], Chair of LFI (2013)<ref name= McGuire/>
* ]
* ], former Chair of LFI (2002)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/28/nbrown1928.xml |title=Jon Mendelsohn profile: a real Mr Fix-It |work=] |author=Hope, Christopher |date=9 February 2007 }}</ref>
* ]
* ], former Leader of the ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ]<ref name="LFI2022">{{cite web |title=LFI Parliamentary Supporters |url=https://www.lfi.org.uk/lfi-parliamentary-supporters/ |website=Labour Friends of Israel |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref>
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>

* ], former Chair of LFI (2001), former ] <ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/oct/03/labour.scotland |date=3 October 2008 |author=Mulholland, Hélène |work=] |title=Profile – Jim Murphy }}</ref>
* ]<ref name=whoweare/> * ]<ref name="LFI2022"/>
* ]
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>

* ]<ref name=jc-20160922>{{cite news |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/mps-%EF%AC%82ock-to-support-labour-israel-group-1.53362 |title=MPs flock to support Labour Israel group |last=Dysch |first=Marcus |newspaper=The Jewish Chronicle |date=22 September 2016 |accessdate=12 August 2018}}</ref>
=== Sitting MPs ===
* ], former Chair of LFI, former ] <ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2002/dec/12/israelandthepalestinians.jamespurnell|title=Five days in Israel – James Purnell MP, chairman of Labour Friends of Israel, visits a kibbutz, meets Ehud Barak and attends a peace conference in Tel Aviv|date=12 December 2002|work=]}}</ref>
], ] is a supporter of Labour Friends of Israel<ref name=LFI181019/><ref name=lammy-declassifiedmedia/>]]
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
Labour (unless otherwise stated)
* ], former ] (2007)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/05/01/nlab01.xml |work=] |title=David Blunkett to return to the Cabinet in major reshuffle |date=5 January 2005 |author=] and Hennessy, Patrick |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123132711/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2005%2F05%2F01%2Fnlab01.xml |archivedate=23 November 2007 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>

* ]<ref name= "Wright"/>
* ]
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ]<ref>{{cite news|title=Over-zealous attacks on Israel are 'anti-semitism by proxy', says Labour MP Chris Bryant|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/over-zealous-attacks-on-israel-are-anti-semitism-by-proxy-labour-mp-chris-bryant-says-a6957451.html|work=The Independent|date=29 March 2016|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411031340/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/over-zealous-attacks-on-israel-are-anti-semitism-by-proxy-labour-mp-chris-bryant-says-a6957451.html|archive-date=11 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
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* ]<ref name=LFI181019/><ref name=lammy-declassifiedmedia>{{cite web |last1=McEvoy |first1=John |title=David Lammy: Friend of Israel |url=https://www.declassifieduk.org/david-lammy-friend-of-israel/ |website=Declassified UK |access-date=2 July 2024 |date=25 January 2024}}</ref>
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=== Sitting Lords ===
Labour (unless otherwise stated)

*]
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*]<ref name=LFI181019 />
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=== Former members ===
* ], former Treasurer<ref name=jcabrahams>{{cite news|url=http://www.thejc.com/home.aspx?ParentId=m11&SecId=11&AId=56890&ATypeId=1|title=David Abrahams gave in secret 'to quell conspiracy fears'|last=Symons|first=Leon|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209172859/http://www.thejc.com/home.aspx?ParentId=m11&SecId=11&AId=56890&ATypeId=1|archive-date=9 December 2007|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
* ]<ref name=whoweare>{{cite web|url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/who_we_are |title=Who We Are|publisher=Labour Friends of Israel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080727005100/http://www.lfi.org.uk/who_we_are|archive-date=27 July 2008}}</ref>
* Sir ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuartbellmp.org/biography.htm|last=Bell|first=Stuart|title=Sir Stuart Bell MP, Biography|date=30 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130071351/http://www.stuartbellmp.org/biography.htm|archive-date=30 January 2008}}</ref>
* ], former Director of LFI<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/02/05/royle-family-star-ricky-tomlinson-could-run-for-parliament-in-liverpool-wavertree-100252-25766877/|title=Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson could run for parliament in Liverpool|last=Bartlett|first=David|date=5 February 2010|work=]|access-date=7 February 2010}}</ref>
* ], former ]<ref name="Uni">{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/932399.html|title=Finance scandal has local community worried|last=Uni|first=Assaf|date=10 December 2007|work=]}}</ref><ref name="Temko">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/dec/02/uk.partyfunding1|title=Behind-the-scenes group's unerring knack of backing the right man|last=Temko|first=Ned|author-link=Ned Temko|date=2 December 2007|work=]|language=en-GB|issn=0029-7712}}</ref>
* ], former ]<ref name="Uni" /><ref name="Temko" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Speech by Gordon Brown to the LFI Annual Reception |date=25 September 2007 |author=] |publisher=Labour Friends of Israel |url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/news///Speech_by_Gordon_Brown |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219224040/http://www.lfi.org.uk/news///Speech_by_Gordon_Brown |archive-date=19 December 2007 }}</ref>
* ], former ]
* ]
* ]<ref name="Wright">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/anger-grows-within-labour-over-forced-palestinian-vote-9788395.html| work=] |title= Anger grows within Labour over forced Palestinian vote|date=10 October 2010 |author = Wright, Oliver|access-date= 23 February 2015 }}</ref>
* ]
* ], first Chair of LFI (1957)<ref name=lfi50years />
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* ], Chair of LFI (2007)
* ], former vice-chair of LFI<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-envoy/esummit-speakers/$file/lewis.htm |year=2003 |title=Speaker Biographies, Ivan Lewis MP |author=H. M. Cabinet Office |access-date=7 December 2008 |archive-date=14 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114073156/http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-envoy/esummit-speakers/$file/lewis.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* ]
* ]
* ], former Parliamentary chair (from 2020 to 2024)
* ], Vice-chair of LFI<ref name="Ban">{{cite news|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/130528/labour-mp-michael-mccann-calls-total-hamas-ban | title=Labour MP Michael McCann calls for total Hamas ban | work=] | date=25 February 2015 | access-date=26 February 2015 | author=Dysch, Marcus}}</ref>
* ], Chair of LFI (2013)<ref name="McGuire" />
* ], former Chair of LFI (2002)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1570734/Jon-Mendelsohn-profile-a-real-Mr-Fix-It.html|title=Jon Mendelsohn profile: a real Mr Fix-It|work=]|last=Hope|first=Christopher|date=9 February 2007|access-date=7 January 2019}}</ref>
* ], former Leader of the ]
* ]
* ], former Chair of LFI (2001), former ]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/oct/03/labour.scotland|title=Government reshuffle: Profile: Jim Murphy|last=Mulholland|first=Hélène|date=3 October 2008|work=]|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ]
* ]
* ], former Chair of LFI, former ]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2002/dec/12/israelandthepalestinians.jamespurnell|title=Five days in Israel|last=Purnell|first=James|author-link = James Purnell|date=12 December 2002|work=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ], former ] (2007)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/05/01/nlab01.xml |work=] |title=David Blunkett to return to the Cabinet in major reshuffle |date=5 January 2005 |author=] and Hennessy, Patrick |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123132711/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2005%2F05%2F01%2Fnlab01.xml |archive-date=23 November 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* ]
* ]
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* ], Vice Chair of LFI * ], Vice Chair of LFI
* ]<ref name=whoweare/> * ]
* ]<ref>{{cite news|last=Dysch|first=Marcus|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/51189/labour-friends-israel-name-new-chair|title=Labour Friends of Israel name new chair|date=5 July 2011|work=The Jewish Chronicle|access-date=21 October 2011}}</ref>
* ], former Chair of LFI (2006)<ref name=whoweare/>
* ], former Chair of LFI (2006)
* ]<ref name=whoweare/>
* ]


==See also== == See also ==
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==References== == References ==
{{Reflist|30em}} {{Reflist|30em}}


==External links== == External links ==
* *
* , 1 May 1997 * {{cite web |url=http://www.brijnet.org/election97/lfi.htm |title=General Election – 1 May 1997 |publisher=Labour Friends of Israel |year=1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990129052753/http://www.brijnet.org/election97/lfi.htm |archive-date=29 January 1999}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1063632562982&a=KArticle&aid=1130673808370 |title=United Kingdom and Israel Share the Same Democratic Values |work=Labour Friends of Israel event speech |author=Foreign Secretary ] |date=2 November 2005 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051228090657/http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1063632562982&a=KArticle&aid=1130673808370 |archivedate=28 December 2005 |deadurl=yes |df= }} * {{cite web|url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1063632562982&a=KArticle&aid=1130673808370 |title=United Kingdom and Israel Share the Same Democratic Values |work=Labour Friends of Israel event speech |author=Foreign Secretary ] |date=2005-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051228090657/http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1063632562982&a=KArticle&aid=1130673808370 |archive-date=2005-12-28 |url-status=dead }}
* , Prime Minister ], 26 September 2006 * {{cite web |url=http://www.lfi.org.uk/news///Speech_by_Prime_Minister_Tony_Blair |title=Speech by PM Tony Blair to LFI Annual Reception |last=Blair |first=Tony |author-link = Tony Blair|publisher=Labour Friends of Israel |date=26 September 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711175140/http://www.lfi.org.uk/news///Speech_by_Prime_Minister_Tony_Blair |archive-date=11 July 2007}}
* , Prime Minister ], 25 September 2007 * , Prime Minister ], 25 September 2007


{{UK Labour Party}} {{UK Labour Party}}

{{British Jewry}}
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Latest revision as of 19:56, 13 December 2024

Parlimentarian group in UK supporting closer ties with Israel

Labour Friends of Israel
AbbreviationLFI
FormationOctober 1957 (1957-10)
PurposePromotes support for a strong bilateral relationship between Britain and Israel
HeadquartersLondon
Membership120
Official language English
Honorary PresidentJoan Ryan
Parliamentary ChairJon Pearce
Lay ChairAdrian Cohen
DirectorMichael Rubin
WebsiteOfficial website

Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) is a group in the Parliament of the United Kingdom that advocates a strong bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Israel, and seeks to strengthen ties between the British Labour Party and the Israeli Labor Party. LFI says it supports a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, with Israel recognised and secure within its borders, and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. As of July 2020, it comprises around one quarter of the Parliamentary Labour Party and one third of the Shadow Cabinet.

History

LFI was founded at the 1957 Labour Party Conference. Its membership is organised into local branches. Seeking to strengthen the bond between the Labour Party and the Israeli Labor Party, it organises meetings of senior figures in both the UK and Israel.

2000–2015

In 2003, LFI described itself as "a Westminster based lobby group working within the British Labour Party to promote the State of Israel". It has been described as "less unquestioning in its support of the Israeli government than the Conservative Friends of Israel". Between 2001 and 2009, LFI sponsored more than 60 MPs to visit Israel, more than any other group.

In 2010, Jennifer Gerber, previously director of Progress and before that, special advisor to Andy Burnham, was appointed director.

In 2011, LFI adopted a new strategy of becoming a wider membership organisation and of operating under the slogan "Working Towards a Two-State Solution".

In 2011, John Woodcock was appointed chair, followed in May 2013 by Dame Anne McGuire and, in 2015, Joan Ryan.

In 2014, Adrian Cohen, a corporate lawyer, the chair of the London Jewish Forum, a trustee of the Jewish Leadership Council and a deputy of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, was appointed Lay Chair.

2016 onwards

With the ascent to the leadership of the Labour Party, in September 2015, of Jeremy Corbyn, who has a history of support for Palestinians, the relationship between the LFI and the party leadership deteriorated.

LFI had been depleted of Parliamentary supporters who had lost their seats at the 2015 general election. In 2016, LFI announced it had trebled its number of Parliamentary supporters, stating that 65 MPs had pledged to back the group, at a time when many MPs rebelled against the leadership of the party. LFI re-branded itself as "Labour Friends of Israel: For Israel, For Palestine, For Peace", created a Young LFI group, and stated it would support the Alliance for Middle East Peace's international fund.

In early 2017, Al Jazeera released a four-part documentary entitled The Lobby, which investigated aspects of the Israel lobby in the United Kingdom, particularly relating to the Labour Party. A member of Israeli embassy staff, Shai Masot, was recorded "plotting" to take down British MPs who favour recognition of a Palestinian state; links to the Labour Friends of Israel were put under the spotlight, including a reference to the availability of £1m from the Israeli government.

In March 2018, supporters of LFI, along with the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, took part in a protest critical of the Corbyn leadership, stating that antisemitism was present in the Labour Party.

In February 2019, after having lost a vote of no confidence by her local constituency Labour Party, Joan Ryan resigned from the Labour Party to join the recently formed The Independent Group but retained her position as Chair of LFI. She became Honorary President in August 2019 and Dame Louise Ellman succeeded her as Parliamentary Chair. In October 2019, Ellman resigned from the Labour Party. Neither stood for reelection in the 2019 general election. However, despite resigning from the Labour Party, they remained members of LFI.

As of July 2020, around a quarter of the Parliamentary Labour Party and a third of the shadow cabinet were members of the group. In September 2020, Jennifer Gerber stepped down as director and was replaced by Michael Rubin. In September 2020, LFI doubled its number of vice-chairs to 11, with the addition of: Rosie Cooper, Chris Evans, Dame Diana Johnson, Peter Kyle, Conor McGinn and Catherine McKinnell.

Related groups

The Yigal Allon Educational Trust, founded in 1985 by former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Ian Mikardo MP, Lord Glenamara and others, has supported Labour Friends of Israel.

Parliamentary supporters of LFI

As of February 2022, the Officers, sitting MPs, Lords and former members who were supporters of LFI are set out below.

Officers

Labour (unless otherwise stated)

Sitting MPs

Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy is a supporter of Labour Friends of Israel

Labour (unless otherwise stated)

Sitting Lords

Labour (unless otherwise stated)

Former members

See also

References

  1. ^ Harpin, Lee (7 August 2019). "Dame Louise Ellman becomes new Labour Friends of Israel chair". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  2. "About Labour Friends of Israel". Labour Friends of Israel. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  3. ^ Judah, Jacob (29 July 2020). "Labour Friends of Israel director to step down in September". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  4. ^ Labour Friends of Israel (8 December 2008). "Labour Friends of Israel – 50 Years". Archived from the original on 10 January 2008. Retrieved 18 December 2007.
  5. "Labour Friends Of Israel website – about us". 1 August 2003. Archived from the original on 1 August 2003. Retrieved 10 December 2008.
  6. ^ Black, Ian (16 November 2009). "Pro-Israel lobby group bankrolling Tories, film claims". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 November 2009.
  7. Dysch, Marcus (7 September 2010). "New strategy for Labour Friends of Israel". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  8. Bright, Martin (13 January 2011). "Israel friends change tack and relaunch". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  9. Dysch, Marcus (19 October 2011). "Labour Friends go to Israel". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  10. ^ "Stirling MP Anne McGuire to chair Labour Friends of Israel". The Jewish Chronicle. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  11. Marcus Dysch (10 August 2015). "Don't vote for Jeremy Corbyn, urges new Labour Friends of Israel chair Joan Ryan". Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  12. Harpin, Lee (7 August 2019). "Dame Louise Ellman becomes new Labour Friends of Israel chair". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  13. Rocker, Simon (19 June 2014). "Miliband warms the hearts of the Labour Friends". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  14. "Adrian Cohen". Jewish Leadership Council. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  15. "U.K Labour Party pro-Israel Group Triples Support Ahead of Relaunch". Haaretz. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  16. Dysch, Marcus (22 September 2016). "MPs flock to support Labour Israel group". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
  17. "The Lobby". Al Jazeera. January 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  18. MacAskill, Ewen (8 January 2017). "Israeli diplomat who plotted against MPs also set up political groups". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  19. Cohen, Justin (21 March 2017). "Labour dismiss complaint against Joan Ryan MP over Al Jazeera series". Jewish News. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  20. "Labour's Joan Ryan and Gavin Shuker lose no-confidence votes". BBC News. 7 September 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  21. "MP Louise Ellman quits Labour Party". BBC News. 17 October 2019. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  22. ^ "LFI Supporters in Parliament". Labour Friends of Israel. 18 October 2019.
  23. "Labour frontbench MPs join Labour Friends of Israel as new vice-chairs". Labour List. 9 September 2020.
  24. "Labour Friends of Israel doubles number of vice-chairs to 11". Jewish News. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  25. "Yigal Allon Educational Trust". Stone Ashdown Trust. Archived from the original on 9 November 2009. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
  26. "Yigal Allon Educational Trust, registered charity no. 327009". Charity Commission for England and Wales.
  27. "Labour Friends of Israel announces new parliamentary chair". Labour Friends of Israel. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  28. ^ "Labour Friends of Israel announces three new honorary vice-chairs". Labour Friends of Israel. 27 November 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  29. ^ "LFI Parliamentary Supporters". Labour Friends of Israel. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  30. ^ McEvoy, John (25 January 2024). "David Lammy: Friend of Israel". Declassified UK. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  31. "Over-zealous attacks on Israel are 'anti-semitism by proxy', says Labour MP Chris Bryant". The Independent. 29 March 2016. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  32. Symons, Leon; et al. "David Abrahams gave in secret 'to quell conspiracy fears'". The Jewish Chronicle. Archived from the original on 9 December 2007.
  33. "Who We Are". Labour Friends of Israel. Archived from the original on 27 July 2008.
  34. Bell, Stuart (30 January 2008). "Sir Stuart Bell MP, Biography". Archived from the original on 30 January 2008.
  35. Bartlett, David (5 February 2010). "Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson could run for parliament in Liverpool". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  36. ^ Uni, Assaf (10 December 2007). "Finance scandal has local community worried". Haaretz.
  37. ^ Temko, Ned (2 December 2007). "Behind-the-scenes group's unerring knack of backing the right man". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712.
  38. Brown, Gordon (25 September 2007). "Speech by Gordon Brown to the LFI Annual Reception". Labour Friends of Israel. Archived from the original on 19 December 2007.
  39. Wright, Oliver (10 October 2010). "Anger grows within Labour over forced Palestinian vote". The Independent. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  40. H. M. Cabinet Office (2003). "Speaker Biographies, Ivan Lewis MP". Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  41. Dysch, Marcus (25 February 2015). "Labour MP Michael McCann calls for total Hamas ban". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  42. Hope, Christopher (9 February 2007). "Jon Mendelsohn profile: a real Mr Fix-It". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  43. Mulholland, Hélène (3 October 2008). "Government reshuffle: Profile: Jim Murphy". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077.
  44. Purnell, James (12 December 2002). "Five days in Israel". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077.
  45. Kite, Melissa and Hennessy, Patrick (5 January 2005). "David Blunkett to return to the Cabinet in major reshuffle". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 23 November 2007.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  46. Dysch, Marcus (5 July 2011). "Labour Friends of Israel name new chair". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 21 October 2011.

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