British Shadow Ministers: UK Should Use Israel as Blueprint to Improve Economy
by Zach Pontz
Members of Britain’s Shadow Cabinet, a senior group of spokespeople in opposition to the ruling government, believe the country should use Israel as a blueprint for repairing its economy.
According to the Jewish Chronicle, Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna praised Israel’s start-up technology industries and suggested that combined with British skills, both countries’ could boost their global business appeal.
Mr Umunna spoke glowingly of what he witnessed during a Shadow Cabinet trip to Israel last year. He said: “We all share a desire to see more start-ups in Britain and need to see far more of that in our economy. We want to increase our trade and we are seeking to learn from others.”
Liam Byrne, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “One of the most exciting things we saw in Israel was the risk-taking, high-energy tech culture. We have big lessons to learn.”
Mr Byrne was quoted by the Jewish Chronicle as saying he wanted to create “trade corridors” between British cities which are home to global businesses and Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
“There’s the potential for a win-win with Israel where we take great ideas and energy and unite them with our strength in global business. We need to find ways we can make that happen faster,” he said.