The UK Abraham Accords Group is a non-partisan and non-profit, UK based organisation dedicated to supporting the implementation and expansion of the historic peace agreements known as the Abraham Accords. The organisation was launched in the British Parliament in September 2021, marking the first anniversary of the Abraham Accords. The Israeli, UAE and Bahraini ambassadors to the United Kingdom appointed The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP (formerly the British Secretary of State for Defence, and also International Trade) as Chair of the UK Abraham Accords Group. Dr Fox is supported by Laura Roberts, Executive Director.
The UK Abraham Accords Group’s mission is to establish a successful parliamentary group to build and maintain bi-partisan support within the UK political system for the Abraham Accords. It also seeks to develop trade, governmental and cultural cooperation, and promote peace and economic prosperity in the region.
Furthermore, the UK Abraham Accords Group strives to cut across old divides in parliament, government and the media, reflecting the changing nature of the Middle East. The UK Abraham Accords Group also aims to promote social responsibility, inclusiveness, and embrace high principles of governance as part of the mission.
Chair, UK Abraham Accords Group
The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP has been a Conservative Member of Parliament for North Somerset since 1992. In John Major’s Government he served as a Minister at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and as Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of the Treasury). He had previously served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Michael Howard, then Home Secretary.
Between 1997 and 2010, he held several roles on the Conservative Party Opposition Front Bench such as Constitutional Affairs Spokesman, Shadow Health Secretary, Conservative Party Chairman, Shadow Foreign Secretary and Shadow Defence Secretary.
In May 2010, Prime Minister David Cameron appointed him Secretary of State for Defence. In 2013, he published ‘Rising Tides’ a book analysing crucial world issues with Tony Blair, Condoleezza Rice, Malcolm Rifkind and Donald Rumsfeld.
Between July 2016 and July 2019, he served in Prime Minister Theresa May’s Government as Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade. As International Trade Secretary he was tasked with creating the UK’s first Independent Trade Policy for 40 years post-Brexit. During his time in post he strongly argued for global trade liberalisation, championed free trade and supported a rules-based system with WTO reform.
He was the UK’s Nominee to be the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation in 2020, nominated by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on behalf of the UK Government.
Before entering politics, Dr Fox worked as an NHS doctor and then as a family GP. He is also a former Civilian Army Medical Officer and Divisional Surgeon with St John Ambulance. In 2012, he founded the military charity ‘Give Us Time’.
He was born in Scotland and attended St Bride’s High School, the biggest comprehensive state school in Europe, before studying medicine at the University of Glasgow Medical School.
Executive Director, UK Abraham Accords Group
During a distinguished career in public affairs and international communications, Laura has worked in the United States, the United Kingdom, Lebanon, France, Spain and Belgium.
Laura has received multiple awards for her work, including from the US government and various European states. She was recognised for managing the international press during Michelle Obama’s visit to Spain on behalf of the host city, Marbella, and for creating the first French speaking television station in the United States.
Laura graduated from the School of International Service at American University in Washington DC. She also holds a degree in arts management from State University of New York, and completed an executive programme in bilateral trade at Harvard Business School. She has held many board positions, including The Hamilton Society in London, the alumni board of American University in Washington DC, the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain, and Women in Business in Spain.
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We need politicians, diplomats, business leaders and visionaries to join forces to support the Abraham Accords so lasting peace and prosperity will flourish in the region.