Israel supporters paid tribute to Alistair Burt

Israel supporters have paid tribute to Alistair Burt’s fairness in dealing with Middle East affairs after his departure from the Foreign Office in David Cameron’s reshuffle this week.

The MP for North-East Bedfordshire stepped down as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State after a three-and-a-half year tenure, during which time he won favour among the community for his close work with Israel.

He has been replaced by former Sports Minister Hugh Robertson.

Stuart Polak, director of the Conservative Friends of Israel, said: “During a period of significant regional instability in the Middle East, Alistair Burt has been fair-minded, honest and consistent in his dealings with the various parties in the area. He maintained a balanced and neutral position and never deviated from his view that two states for two peoples was the key to peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”