Conservative MPs and Lords have praised Israel’s success in vaccinating its population against Covid-19 and called for closer bilateral cooperation in combating the effects of the pandemic.
Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi MP said that the UK was aiming to reach Israel’s target vaccination speed of four minutes per patient, describing the process as “a race against time”. He commended Israel for a “stellar job in vaccinating their most vulnerable communities”.
CFI Officer Christian Wakeford MP hailed the “incredible speed and efficiency of Israel’s vaccination drive, which is on track to vaccinate all over-16s by the end of March”, with particular success “in the areas of digitisation and accessibility”. Mr Wakeford’s remarks in the House of Commons were shared on social media by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, Rt. Hon. Dr Julian Lewis MP, applauded Israel’s “efficient and highly successful vaccination programme”, asking the Defence Secretary if he had examined Israel’s involvement of its armed forces in the rollout.
Defence Secretary Rt. Hon. Ben Wallace MP observed the speed at which Israel has been able to “mobilise people through its reserve capability” as well as carrying out vaccinations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
CFI Officer Baroness Altmann CBE also underlined the speed of Israel’s vaccination rollout during a debate in the House of Lords.
Health Secretary Rt. Hon. Matt Hancock MP spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yuli Edelstein MK last week to discuss best practices and cooperation in delivering vaccinations and fighting Covid-19.
Israel has now vaccinated over 2 million Israelis with the first dose; more than 20 percent of the population and the highest immunisation rate in the world. Around 73 percent of over-60s have received the vaccine.
