Boris backs Patel over Israel visit
BORIS Johnson has come to the aid of his “good friend” cabinet minister Priti Patel, after she faced criticism for making an unofficial visit to Israel.
Mrs Patel was pictured meeting senior Israeli political figures during a holiday break.
Labour, rocked by a series of anti-Semitism allegations, said the visit raised “a series of questions about the ethics of public service and the integrity of the government”.
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said if International Development Secretary Ms Patel made foreign policy commitments at the meetings “she could have breached the ministerial code”.
But Mr Johnson, who campaigned for an EU Leave vote with Mrs Patel, tweeted calling her “a good friend” and adding: “Quite right that she meets with people and organisations overseas.”
Meanwhile, Downing Street ruled out an investigation. The Prime Minister’s spokesman told reporters: “I think while she was there she took the opportunity to meet some people and organisations, but it was a private holiday. I’ve not been made aware of any concerns.”
The International Development Secretary, being talked of as a possible future Tory leader, is a strong supporter of Israel.
According to reports, Ms Patel was accompanied by Tory peer Lord Polak, honorary president of the Conservative Friends of Israel lobbying group.
The pair also visited Beit Issie Shapiro, an Israeli disability charity.