UK Confirms Consulate in Jerusalem Will Remain Open Under the Name 'British Mission'

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said on Thursday that the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem will not be closed, but will be renamed the “British Mission in Jerusalem,” and will remain independent, operational, and continue to serve Palestinians.

Occupation authorities ordered the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem on Thursday, in response to London’s plans to impose sanctions on settlements in the West Bank.

Miliband said Britain would now work to reinforce its presence, following the withdrawal of several staff members and their families over the past few weeks.

He added that Britain would not take any similar measures against Israel while both sides continue talks, dispelling speculation that London might expel some of the occupation’s diplomats from Britain.