New British Minister for the Middle East Stirs Controversy in the Arab World

The role of Minister for the Middle East and North Africa in the British government has drawn significant attention across the Arab world. The appointment of Stephen Doughty to this position in Andy Burnham's government has triggered backlash from Arab media and pro-Palestinian supporters in the UK due to the politician's known support for Israel.

Doughty, 46, is a Welsh Labour MP and a prominent member of the Jewish Labour Movement, which holds significant influence within the ruling party. He previously served as Minister of State for Europe, North America, and the Overseas Territories at the Foreign Office starting in 2024.

Beyond his political career, Doughty served as a reservist in the British Army. His military background was further enhanced by completing a course in the parliamentary security forces program and additional studies at the Royal College of Defence Studies between 2017 and 2018.

According to Arab media, Doughty’s public positions have caused concern among pro-Palestinian activists in the UK, who describe the new minister as "clearly anti-Palestinian." They cite the following past decisions as evidence:

1. Abstained from a vote in the House of Commons calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

2. Voted against a bill to boycott investments in Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria.

3. Refused to sign a letter urging the British government to suspend arms sales to Israel.

4. Refused to sign a letter to then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy demanding that the UK comply with International Criminal Court warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

5. Voted in favor of the UK Home Office's decision to designate "Palestine Action" as a terrorist organization.

This month, Doughty again refused to sign a letter urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to impose sanctions on Israel. Supporters of Israel in the UK expect Doughty to maintain this stance when Parliament returns from recess in September to debate potential new, tougher sanctions on trade with Judea and Samaria settlements, as previously hinted by the government of Keir Starmer.

This represents a positive trend under the new Prime Minister, who is not traditionally seen as a strong supporter of Israel. However, despite his pro-Zionist leanings, it is important to note that the new Minister for the Middle East remains a supporter of the two-state solution.