Another Islamist at the Foreign Office?

The news that:

"A high-ranking diplomat at the Foreign Office has been arrested after allegations that he launched a foul-mouthed anti-Semitic tirade.

Middle East expert Rowan Laxton, 47, was watching TV reports of the Israeli attack on Gaza as he used an exercise bike in a gym.

Stunned staff and gym members allegedly heard him shout: 'F**king Israelis, f**king Jews'. It is alleged he also said Israeli soldiers should be 'wiped off the face of the earth'.

His rant reportedly continued even after he was approached by other gym users.

After a complaint was made to police, Mr Laxton was arrested for inciting religious hatred through threatening words and behaviour and bailed until late next month.

The maximum penalty for inciting religious hatred is a seven-year prison term or a fine or both."

Swearing, calling for the death of Israeli soldiers; presumably the BBC are up in arms, just as they were when Carol Thatcher used the word gollywog. Don't be daft the BBC have ignored this story altogether, a search on their news website for "Rowan Laxton" brings up just one story from when Mr Laxton was British charge d'affaires in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Office has been full of Arabists for many years and their anti-Israel stance has been well documented. Of course Rowan Laxton my be totally free of anti-Israel prejudice but then the Mail article continues

"Mr Laxton has worked extensively in the Middle East - he married a Muslim woman in 2000 - and has been deputy ambassador to Afghanistan.

The case could not have come at a worse time for the Foreign Office. Next week, Britain is hosting an international summit on combating anti-Semitism, with politicians from 35 countries. "

Mr Laxton continues his work at the Foreign Office.


If you are unsure as to whether their is anti-Israel and anti-Jewish bias at the Foreign Office, then just ask yourself this - If Mr Laxton had indulged in a tirade against Muslims and an Arab country would the BBC have ignored the story and would Mr Laxton have been suspended from his work? I think we know the answers to both of those questions. The sad truth is that Israel is considered, at the very best, expendable by the Foreign Office whose priority is to keep "moderate" Muslim countries on-side.