London, Nov 19, IRNA – Trade between Britain and Israel has surged this year dispite concern over war crimes committed byIsrael that has led trade unions in the UK to back the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel.Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said that bilateral trade with Israel last year was “worth £3.07 billion, surpassing the £3 billion target set in 2008.”
“UK exports continue to increase in 2010-up 24% on the same period in 2009 (January to August),” Prisk told MPs in a written parliamentary reply published Friday.
He also boasted that Israel was an important trade partner with inward investment also remaining strong, saying Israeli firms are “significant investors in the UK.”
“Over 300 Israeli companies now have a physical presence in the UK, providing thousands of jobs. Over 50 Israeli companies are listed on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market) and main London stock exchange,” the minister has said.
The British government has repeated rejected calls to impose an arms embargo on Israel. It has also dismissed demands, including from MPs, to suspend the lucrative terms Israel receives under the EU’s Association Agreement.
