Member

Recent events in Israel and Palestine cannot be ignored. They have heightened the danger of action against Jewish interests in London. I believe that they have diluted support for placing the proposed centre so close to the Palace of Westminster. The recent climbing of the Elizabeth Tower—I say nothing about the case, because it is sub judice—and the hanging of a Palestinian flag from it is a warning, albeit non-violent, of how easily such events can occur. How easy it is that such an event might have been destructively disastrous. The local disruption that such an event can cause was well illustrated two weekends ago, when everything around this building was closed down for two days and visitors were not allowed in at all. The proposed learning centre would be far more accessible to someone wishing to climb upon it than the Elizabeth Tower. It would be accessible directly from a park which would be open to the public.