United Kingdom (UK)

United Kingdom (UK) is a leading economic and political power in Europe. British legacy in the Middle East and its economic and political strength make it a key player in the region. The UK is an important partner of Israel in the fields of security and diplomacy. Over the past decade, Israeli and British policymakers have increasingly recognized the value of cooperation on shared challenges. Consequently, political ties have grown stronger, despite shifts in transatlantic relations, Brexit negotiations, and differences over Iran and the Palestinian issue.

Israel’s growing ties with the UK center on high tech, science and innovation, healthcare, energy, defense, counter terrorism, cyber security and aviation. The UK has identified Israel as one of its top five trade priority countries and one of its top strategic partners in the region. The UK is Israel’s second largest export market globally; Israeli firms and technologies have developed a significant presence in the UK.

The UK-Israel Strategic Dialogues, organized jointly by the Forum of Strategic Dialogue, a member of the ELNET network, and London’s Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), provide a unique platform for strategic discussions between British and Israeli policymakers and experts.

ELNET in the United Kingdom (UK)

E-mail: info@elnetwork.eu

ELNET’s work advancing the Abraham Accords

September 29, 2022

To commemorate the second anniversary, ELNET-UK and the UK Abraham Accords Group published a booklet to mark the signing of this historic agreement.

Jewish Journal Interviews ELNET-UK’s Executive Director on Fighting Antisemitism in Corbyn’s Labour Party

June 7, 2022

ELNET-UK Executive Director Joan Ryan gives exclusive interview to the Jewish Journal on fighting antisemitism in the Labour Party under Corbyn’s rule.

ELNET-UK Hosts First Delegation to Israel, Bringing Senior British Journalists

May 1, 2022

ELNET UK hosted its first ever delegation, taking 7 senior and influential broadcast and print journalists from across the political spectrum to Israel

Seventh UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue

April 20, 2022

ELNET and the Forum of Strategic Dialogue (FSD), in partnership with Chatham House held the seventh Strategic Dialogue between the UK and Israel.

ELNET Executive Director Joan Ryan featured piece in Jewish Chronicle on Israel-Apartheid Week at UK Universities

March 19, 2022

In an exclusive op-ed published by the Jewish Chronicle, ELNET-UK Executive Director Joan Ryan details the true dangers behind the apartheid smear falsely attributed to Israel as ‘Israel Apartheid Week’ which takes place across several UK university campuses.

Special BDS Bulletin – ELNET UK joins with Community Leaders in Messages against BDS

February 17, 2022

ELNET-UK publishes special bulletin on the BDS movement

Joan Ryan

Executive Director,
ELNET-UK

Following a successful career as a local councillor, Joan Ryan was elected as a UK Member of Parliament in 1997. In 2002 Joan Ryan was promoted to Government Whip followed by a further promotion to become the Home Office Minister responsible for Immigration and Police Improvement. In 2007 she was appointed as Special Representative to Cyprus by the Prime Minister and appointed to the Privy Council by Her Majesty the Queen. In 2015 Joan Ryan was appointed as Chair for the Labour Friends of Israel and in 2016 she was appointed by the Speaker to the House of Commons Speaker’s Panel, chairing public bills and parliamentary debates.

Judith Lobb

Deputy Director,
ELNET-UK

Jude Lobb has a solid track record in politics and public affairs. She has a wealth of experience, having worked in the private and charity sectors for over 10 years in a diverse range of areas including health and corporate social responsibility. Jude has worked for a number of Government Ministers with portfolios including immigration and education. As a strong strategic communicator, Jude has consistently brought together parliamentarians, policy developers and other key opinion formers with the organisations she represented.

Angie McEvoy

Administration and Diary Manager,
ELNET-UK

Following a successful career as a performer and writer Angie worked as a Parliamentary Assistant for former MP Rt Hon Joan Ryan, ELNET-UK’s Executive Director. Angie then worked for Labour Friends of Israel, organizing briefings, conferences and fundraising events. She has a BA(Hons) in Performing Arts from Middlesex University and an MA in Gender Studies from Birkbeck University, London.