On the 22nd March, The Emirates Society hosted an event in Portcullis House with two members of the recent British parliamentary delegation to the UAE. The Lord Walney, Independent adviser on political violence and disruption in the Home Office, the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Tanzania, crossbench peer, House of Lords, was joined by Steve McCabe MP, Chair of Labour Friends of Israel.
The two speakers reflected on the trip and shared their thoughts on the future of the relationship between the UK and the UAE.
Our Speakers:
The Lord Walney
Lord Walney is currently the UK Trade Envoy to Tanzania. Born in Sheffield to parents active in the Labour Party, Lord Walney began his career as a journalist before moving into politics. He was elected as the Labour MP for Barrow and Furness in 2010 and served as chair of Labour Friends of Israel (2010–2013). He stood down at the 2019 election and ennobled in 2020.
Steve McCabe MP
Steve McCabe has been an MP since 1997, lately for Birmingham Selly Oak and current chair of Labour Friends of Israel since February 2020. Currently sits on the Work and Pensions Committee. He rose to become a deputy Labour whip under Tony Blair and a full whip under Gordon Brown. He also served as Shadow Minister for Children and Families (2013-2015). Originally from Glasgow, he was a social worker prior to becoming an MP.