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

AI Summary

The British consulate building in East Jerusalem will stay open as an independent UK Mission serving Palestinians, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said. The arrangement follows Israel’s closure order after Britain announced planned sanctions against West Bank settlements; Britain had already withdrawn some staff and families.

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. Miliband said that having withdrawn a number of staff and families in recent weeks, it would now work to build up their presence again.