A prominent lobbyist, Stuart Polak, who was appointed as a member of the House of Lords to advocate for Israel, has sparked controversy for claiming public funds for his parliamentary work. Polak, who led the Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI) for 25 years, has claimed nearly £250,000 in expenses since his appointment as a peer in 2015.
While Polak’s expenses are within the rules, questions have been raised about his advocacy for Israel amid allegations of genocide and war crimes. Former foreign office minister Alan Duncan accused Polak of prioritizing Israel’s interests over those of the UK, leading to calls for his removal from the House of Lords.
Standing up for Israel
Polak, who is still a key pro-Israel voice in Westminster, has focused his parliamentary work on issues related to Palestine and Israel. His close ties to the Israeli government and frequent trips to the region have raised concerns about his impartiality.
Private meetings
Polak’s involvement in private meetings between UK officials and Israeli counterparts, as well as his connections with senior Conservative politicians, have also drawn scrutiny. His lobbying activities, funded by UK taxpayers, have come under fire for potentially influencing government decisions concerning Israel and other Middle Eastern issues.