By Agata Peleszuk | 13/05/2010
Great Britain has a new government. After 13 years of the Labour Party dominance Conservatives took over, though forced to form a coalition with Liberal Democrats. What does this significant shift in the political arena mean to British Jewry? Will prime minister David Cameron manage to keep promises of tackling local anti-Semitism and softening approach towards Israel?
Prime Minister, David Cameron
Photo: AFP
A political system of Great Britain has a long tradition of strong governments emerging from general elections regulated by a majority rules. This elections statute allows to avoid a fragmentation of political environment and to form a solid cabinet that enjoys a vast majority of seats in the House of Commons. Last breakdown of this stable system took place in 1974 when Conservatives received more votes, though the Labour Party gained more seats. In result of Tories failure in coalition talks with Liberals new elections were called. In the new “tournament” the Labour Party won the majority.
This time Conservatives succeeded in forming a coalition, however the new cabinet of David Cameron is walking on a thin ice. Both parties differ in nearly every sphere. Liberals' pro-European approach is much stronger than Tories' view on the European Union. Cameron's party supports an uncompromising defense and immigrant policies. Liberals, on the contrary, stand for decreasing the arsenal and military engagement of Great Britain in the world. The compromise – necessary to keep the cabinet together - can be reached in the sphere of tax policy or education.
How these changes may affect lives of Anglo-Jewry? David Cameron, who recently has discovered paternal Jewish roots, declared his solidarity and respect towards Jewish people on various occasions. The new prime minister presented a mostly satisfying agenda in three areas of the most significant interest – anti-Semitism and radicalization, approach towards Israel, local religious education. Speaking of the first issue Cameron seems to declare the hardest line on Islamic radicalization in Great Britain. First, stop letting people like Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Ibrahim Moussawi into this country to spread hatred. Second, ban those extremist groups like Hizb-ut-Tahrir who are already here. And third, do more – much more – to tackle radicalization in our universities – said to “The Jewish Chronicle” describing key points of agenda against radicalization. Regarding a growth of anti-Semitism, the leader of Conservatives assured a firm opposition against any form of hate speech or violence towards Jews. (…) we will never allow anti-Semitism to go unchecked in this country, and we will work flat out to reverse the radicalization and root out the sources of radicalization which have grown up over the last few years – said. In addition, Cameron assures of tacking anti-Semitism also within the Conservative Party. In favor of Tories, he brings out examples of known Jewish Conservatives like John Bercow (first Jewish Speaker of the House of Commons) or Andrew Feldman (Jewish Chief Executive of the party).
On the subject of Israel David Cameron enthusiastically declares his support for Jewish state, though he underlines his criticism of certain “disproportions” and “mistakes” made by Israel both in Lebanon and Gaza Strip. I passionately believe in the right of Israel to exist, to defend itself and to live in peace and security. And I unequivocally support a two-state solution. We need a State of Israel, with her existence recognized by all her Arab neighbors, living alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian State – declared in his appeal to Jewish people in Great Britain.
New Conservative-Liberal government has a long list of challenges ahead. One of them is to hold on to coalition in spite of a conflictive environment. After 13 years of remaining in the Cabinet of Shadows Conservatives have a chance to modify domestic and international policies of Great Britain. Since the Labour Party has criticized Israel, did not vote against the Goldstone Report and did not manage to tackle anti-Semitism or radicalization in the country, the new coalition has an extraordinary opportunity to shift at least some of failures. Nonetheless, Cameron's cabinet is formed in the atmosphere of wavering. It would not be a surprise, if it spent most of its time on simply trying to “survive”.
