TORY ministers have begun talks on a trade deal with Israel, prompting accusations that the government is willing to overlook human rights abuses to secure new agreements. 

Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan was due to meet Israeli ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely today to negotiate “upgrading” the current Britain-Israel deal to include services, such as those in the insurance, computer and technology sectors. 

The Department for International Trade said the deal would “seek to establish a modern, revamped trading relationship between two of the world’s services superpowers.”

But human and workers’ rights organisations have hit out at the proposed deal, which comes shortly after a string of renowned international groups published reports accusing Israel of imposing a system of apartheid over the Palestinian people. 

The TUC slammed the Tory “record” of overlooking human rights abuses regarding trade talks. 

“Time and time again, ministers have rushed into talks with countries that readily abuse human rights and workers’ rights – with no questions asked,” TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said. 

“Israel is another example to add to a growing list — including India, Brazil, Colombia, Turkey and the Gulf states.

“That’s why we reject a trade deal with Israel until fundamental rights are respected — just as we do with all of these countries.”

Trade between Britain and Israel is currently worth £5 billion a year, but the existing free trade agreement only covers trade in goods. 

The government claims reducing trade barriers could benefit 6,600 British businesses already exporting goods to Israel. 

Amnesty International raised concerns that the deal in its current form would allow Israeli exporters to “pass off” goods produced in Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law. 

“A new trade deal with Israel must not be a betrayal of Palestinians’ human rights and must uphold the UK’s obligations under international law,” the organisation’s economic affairs director Peter Frankental said. 

Palestine Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal said: “By committing to increase trade with Israel, rather than addressing and ending the UK’s complicity in supporting the system of apartheid the UK government gives the message that violations of international law and human rights will not only be tolerated by the UK but financially rewarded.”