Britain says consulate in Jerusalem to remain open as a UK mission

British ​foreign minister ​Ed Miliband said ‌on Thursday ​its Consulate General building in East Jerusalem ‌would not be closing but would be known as a UK Mission, remaining independent, ‌operational and serving Palestinian people. Israel had ‌ordered the British consulate in East Jerusalem to close on Thursday over London's plans ⁠to ​impose sanctions ⁠on settlements in the West Bank.

Miliband said that ⁠having withdrawn a number of staff ​and families in recent weeks, it would ⁠now work to build up their presence. He ⁠said ​Britain would not take any reciprocal action against Israel while the ⁠two sides engage in talks, following speculation that ⁠Britain ⁠could expel some Israeli diplomats from Britain.