Britain says consulate in Jerusalem to remain open as a UK mission

Item 1 of 2 A combination image shows the British consulate in East Jerusalem, September 9, 2026, (top), and with signage removed, on the deadline set by Israel for its closure, following trade sanctions imposed by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, in East Jerusalem, October 8, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad [1/2] A combination image shows the British consulate in East Jerusalem, September 9, 2026, (top), and with signage removed, on the deadline set by Israel for its closure, following trade sanctions... Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab Read more LONDON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - British foreign minister Ed Miliband said on Thursday its Consulate ​General building in East Jerusalem, ordered to close ‌by Israel, would remain open as an independent and operational UK Mission, serving the Palestinian people. Israel had ordered the British consulate in East Jerusalem to close ​on Thursday after London announced plans to impose sanctions ​on settlements in the West Bank. Sign up here. Miliband said that ⁠having withdrawn a number of staff and ​families in recent weeks, it would now work to ​build up their presence again. The deterioration in ties between the two allies had sparked speculation in Israel that Britain could respond ​to the closure by expelling Israeli diplomats ​in London. "We will work in the coming months to build back ‌up ⁠our presence, and we will not take reciprocal action while such discussions are underway and credible," Miliband said. Britain's minister for the Middle East, Stephen ​Doughty, told Sky ​News that ⁠Britain was engaged in ongoing talks with the Israeli government, and that ​it deeply regretted Israel's actions in relation ​to ⁠its consulate. "Our building remains open, our staff remain doing important work," Stephen Doughty told Sky News. "We retain ⁠a ​presence in Jerusalem ... and it ​is very important that that work is able to continue." Adds quotes in paragraphs 4-7 Reporting by ​Kate Holton and Sam Tobin, Editing by Paul Sandle Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Suggested Topics: United Kingdom X Facebook Linkedin Email Link Purchase Licensing Rights