United Kingdom (UK) is a leading economic and political power in Europe. British legacy in the Middle East and its economic and political strength make it a key player in the region. The UK is an important partner of Israel in the fields of security and diplomacy. Over the past decade, Israeli and British policymakers have increasingly recognized the value of cooperation on shared challenges. Consequently, political ties have grown stronger, despite shifts in transatlantic relations, Brexit negotiations, and differences over Iran and the Palestinian issue.

Israel’s growing ties with the UK center on high tech, science and innovation, healthcare, energy, defense, counter terrorism, cyber security and aviation. The UK has identified Israel as one of its top five trade priority countries and one of its top strategic partners in the region. The UK is Israel’s second largest export market globally; Israeli firms and technologies have developed a significant presence in the UK.

The UK-Israel Strategic Dialogues, organized jointly by the Forum of Strategic Dialogue, a member of the ELNET network, and London’s Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), provide a unique platform for strategic discussions between British and Israeli policymakers and experts.

ELNET in the United Kingdom (UK)

E-mail: info@elnetwork.eu

ELNET-UK Team

Joan Ryan

Executive Director,
ELNET-UK
Following a successful career as a local councillor, Joan Ryan was elected as a UK Member of Parliament in 1997. In 2002 Joan Ryan was promoted to Government Whip followed by a further promotion to become the Home Office Minister responsible for Immigration and Police Improvement. In 2007 she was appointed as Special Representative to Cyprus by the Prime Minister and appointed to the Privy Council by Her Majesty the Queen. In 2015 Joan Ryan was appointed as Chair for the Labour Friends of Israel and in 2016 she was appointed by the Speaker to the House of Commons Speaker’s Panel, chairing public bills and parliamentary debates.

Judith Lobb

Deputy Director,
ELNET-UK
Jude Lobb has a solid track record in politics and public affairs. She has a wealth of experience, having worked in the private and charity sectors for over 10 years in a diverse range of areas including health and corporate social responsibility. Jude has worked for a number of Government Ministers with portfolios including immigration and education. As a strong strategic communicator, Jude has consistently brought together parliamentarians, policy developers and other key opinion formers with the organisations she represented.

Angie McEvoy

Administration and Diary Manager,
ELNET-UK
Following a successful career as a performer and writer Angie worked as a Parliamentary Assistant for former MP Rt Hon Joan Ryan, ELNET-UK’s Executive Director. Angie then worked for Labour Friends of Israel, organizing briefings, conferences and fundraising events. She has a BA(Hons) in Performing Arts from Middlesex University and an MA in Gender Studies from Birkbeck University, London.