Patrick Haughy (left) receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from Melvyn Sandler Photo: Harry Hiller

Following its decision to leave the European Union, the UK is now seeking closer ties with Israel, according Patrick Haughy, chief Political Secretary at the British Embassy, when he addressed a packed meeting of ESRA Haifa.

With the charm of the Irish – he hails from Northern Ireland – Mr Haughy spoke on the ‘Bilateral Relationship between the UK and the State of Israel’.

The meeting, on July 2, was told how trading and political relationships between the two countries have expanded – so don’t believe all you read in the press.

A Q and A session followed, and it was generally agreed that any matters raised were genuinely answered.