Oliver Dowden travelled to Israel where he met with representatives of the Israeli government and Palestinian authority, as well as leading Israeli figures.

The trip included a visit to a Jerusalem synagogue hit by a recent terror attack with Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude MP and visits to important holy sites, including the Western Wall and the Church of the Nativity.

"It is great to be here in Israel for the first time. I have always been a strong supporter of Israel but nothing beats seeing somewhere first hand.

"The visit has also given me a deeper understanding of the security situation and the challenges Israel faces in defending itself".