Priti Patel’s private diplomacy with Israel isn’t unique. But her case is the oddest

Published in The Guardian on 10 November 2017

The UK politicians who ignore the Foreign Office to practise independent Middle East policy are usually prime ministers in a position to follow through

The controversy over Priti Patel’s private diplomacy, which led to her resignation, has highlighted public concern over a lack of transparency and the tendency of some politicians to play fast and loose with official procedures. Yet what has really upset many of Patel’s critics has been her policy of cosying up to Israel. MORE