A veteran British diplomat has warned that the infiltration of Islamist ideology into Government institutions is fuelling hostility towards Israel across Whitehall.
Edmund Fitton-Brown, who served in the diplomatic corps for more than three decades, said anti-Israel attitudes in wider society are now reflected within Government.
His comments come after it emerged that Foreign Office officials attended a celebration at Iran’s London embassy marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
The event took place on February 12, just weeks before conflict erupted between Iran, the US and Israel.
It also came shortly after Tehran’s regime had killed thousands of its own citizens during a crackdown on protesters.
The Foreign Office defended the attendance, describing it as a routine part of diplomatic engagement.
Mr Fitton-Brown, who served as ambassador to Yemen between 2014 and 2017, said the episode highlights how Islamist “entryism” has distorted Middle East policy debates in ways that benefit Britain’s adversaries.
Writing in The Telegraph, he said: “It is hard to avoid the conclusion that another factor has grown in importance, Islamist entryism not just in the Foreign Office but also throughout the Civil Service and a range of other professions.”
A veteran British diplomat has warned of the infiltration of Islamist ideology into Government institutions
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He added: “We have seen a steady reframing of debates, including in the sphere of national security. Allies portrayed as the problem, adversaries become misunderstood actors with legitimate grievances.”
The former ambassador continued: “Hate marches for Hamas and the Houthis show that inversion in society and the Civil Service reflects society.
“Over time, that inversion produces exactly the kind of misjudgment we saw this week.”
Mr Fitton-Brown accused ministers of hesitating over Iran while subjecting Israel to intense scrutiny.
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Edmund Fitton-Brown said anti-Israel attitudes in wider society are now reflected within Government
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UK GOVERNMENT
“It is now undeniable that parts of the Civil Service have developed a systematic bias when it comes to the Middle East.
“Israel is treated with a forensic level of scrutiny that few other states receive, while the behaviour of its adversaries is frequently contextualised, rationalised, excused or ignored.”
He argued Britain’s position reflects a lack of moral clarity within the Foreign Office.
“If we cannot even decide whether celebrating the birth of the Islamic Republic is appropriate for British officials, then it is little wonder that our position in the Middle East increasingly resembles that of a country sitting nervously on the fence, hoping the conflict will pass us by while our influence quietly ebbs away,” he said.
He warned that Washington has taken note of Britain’s stance, while Gulf allies have begun looking elsewhere for support.
Mr Fitton-Brown also raised concerns about the wider implications for British interests.
He said: “This vacillation is not without cost. We fought for the Falklands but what happens when a predator next casts envious eyes on our overseas possessions?
“How do we justify our permanent seat on the UN Security Council if it is ever called seriously into question?
Hate crimes targeting Jewish people have increased by 113 per cent
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PA“The Prime Minister needs to understand the potential cost of inaction, and act accordingly.”
The conflict in Gaza, triggered by the October 7 terror attacks in 2023, has coincided with a rise in antisemitic incidents in Britain.
Hate crimes targeting Jewish people have increased by 113 per cent.
Polling by YouGov found more than a fifth of Britons now hold or endorse antisemitic views – the highest level recorded in a decade.
A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “Twice this year, the minister for the Middle East has summoned Iran’s ambassador to the Foreign Office, first to express the UK’s abhorrence at the violent repression of peaceful protests in Iran, and second, to express our condemnation of their appalling drone and missile attacks on neighbouring countries, and the resulting threat to British nationals in the region.
“We will continue to hold Iran to account for its actions, including through frank and direct communication with Iranian officials in London.”