Jewish-Ukrainian refugee has flourishing new career at WJR UK names new envoy

Simon Walters – the current Middle East and Africa national security director at the foreign o ce – is to succeed Neil Wigan as the UK’s ambassador to Israel, writes Lee Harpin.

After Russia’s invasion she left Kyiv on an evacuation bus and headed for Moldova and then Romania. A fortnight later she had learned of the British government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, launched by former minister for refugees Lord Harrington.

Camden Council leader Georgina Gould also spoke at the meeting, and stressed how “my own family are in Britain because over generations Jewish people were persecuted”.

She added: “And many Jewish people died because enough wasn’t done to provide people with asylum fleeing devastation.

nity for his dedication to the role.

Most recently has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Abraham Accords.

previously worked for His Majesty’s Consul in been involved in full time Hebrew

The move was confirmed on Monday, with Wigan set to step down from the post later this summer before taking up another diplomatic role. Walters – who has previously worked for His Majesty’s Consul in Jerusalem from 2008-11 – takes up his new position in August. He has been involved in full time Hebrew language training for several months.

Confirming the new appointment, Wigan tweeted: “I am delighted (and a bit sad) to announce that Simon Walters will succeed me as UK ambassador to Israel this summer. And jealous of his much better Hebrew.”

The ambassador represents His Maj-

The ambassador represents His Majesty the King and the UK government in the country to which they are appointed.

They are responsible for the direction

Since his own appointment in April 2019, Wigan has won widespread and among the UK commu-

Since his own appointment in April 2019, Wigan has won widespread praise and respect both in Israel and among the UK commu-

They are responsible for the direction and work of the embassy and its consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular ser- lates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relavices.