Somaliland has opened an embassy in Jerusalem. The UK helped make it happen. This is a big deal.
Westminster sources tell me this was years in the making. Quiet talks. Backchannel assurances. The Foreign Office knows Somaliland matters. It's a stable democracy in a chaotic region. It recognises Israel. That's rare in the Muslim world.
The US recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017. That split Washington. But the UK has been more cautious. Until now.
Downing Street won't say much. But the message is clear. We're backing our allies. Israel. Somaliland. Both are important for British interests. The Whitehall view is that Somaliland's stability helps curb piracy, terrorism, and migration flows.
There is a catch. The UK still officially considers Somaliland part of Somalia. That's the law. But this embassy opening changes the game. It's de facto recognition. The Foreign Office is careful. No flag-raising with British officials. But the support is there.
Labour is quiet. They don't want to be seen as anti-Israel. But some backbenchers are angry. They say this undermines Somalia's sovereignty. A rebel source tells me there could be a letter. A dozen MPs might complain.
For Boris Johnson's camp, this is a win. They want to show Britain can still do diplomacy. Real diplomacy. Not just EU diktats. This is a realignment. Towards Israel. Towards the Gulf. Away from old alliances.
The Somaliland president is in London this week. Meetings at the FCDO. Patronage from the PM's envoy. Expect more announcements. Trade deals. Security cooperation.
Where does this leave the Palestinians? They are sidelined. The UK says it still backs a two-state solution. But actions speak louder. East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine? Not on this government's priority list.
The real test is the UN. Will the UK veto any resolution against this? That would be a first. Whitehall is divided. The FCDO legal team is worried. The political team is pushing.
One thing is certain. The lobby is buzzing. This is a story that will run. Watch for the official statement. It will be carefully worded. But the meaning is clear. Britain is picking sides. And that side is not the Arab League.
Eleanor Rigby, Political Bureau Chief
