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Foreign Secretary expresses concern at Israeli legislation on Non-Governmental Organisations

Foreign Secretary William Hague has spoken after proposals in the Israeli Knesset to pass legislation that would restrict foreign funding to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Speaking today the Foreign Secretary said:

“Britain is deeply concerned by proposals to pass legislation in the Israeli Knesset that would limit foreign funding of NGOs. This would have a serious impact on projects funded from the UK and elsewhere to support universal rights and values and would be seen as undermining the democratic principles the Israeli state is founded on. While the passing of legislation is a matter for the Israeli Knesset, we strongly call upon all involved to reconsider this move and for the Israeli Government to make clear its own opposition to it”

Published 7 December 2011