Board of Deputies leads communal delegation to meet Brexit Secretary

The Board of Deputies today led a communal delegation to meet Steve Barclay, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.

The group held a positive and constructive conversation about kosher meat, UK-Israel trade, sanctions on terrorist organisations, workforce supply to the security and social care sectors and ensuring that the UK retains its reputation as an inclusive society after Brexit.

Following the meeting, Board of Deputies Vice President Amanda Bowman said: “We were very pleased to meet the Secretary of State to discuss the key issues arising for the Jewish community from Brexit. Representatives from the Board of Deputies, Jewish Leadership Council and Shechita UK were able to thank Mr Barclay for the Government’s action on a range of issues and ask for additional work on a few additional matters leading up to and following Brexit. We were very pleased to hear of the Brexit Secretary’s strong commitment to working with us to realise the opportunities and eliminate the challenges posed by Brexit.”

Mr Barclay tweeted: “Positive meeting with @BoardofDeputies with Gillian Merron, and @jlc_uk today.  We look forward to working with the Jewish community to make Brexit a success for all parts of our country.”

The delegation comprised:

Amanda Bowman, Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews

Gillian Merron, Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews

Phil Rosenberg, Director of Public Affairs at the Board of Deputies of British Jews

Russell Langer, Public Affairs Manager at the Jewish Leadership Council

Aaron Bass, Shechita UK