Rival activists clashed along Whitehall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Theresa May in Downing Street, London, on Monday afternoon (6 February). The Number 10 summit was May's first face-to-face with Netanyahu since she became prime minister in July.

Netanyahu reportedly told the Conservative premier that "responsible" countries should impose new sanctions on Iran after US President Donald Trump promised such a clampdown.

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"I'd like to talk to you about how we can ensure that Iran's aggression does not go unanswered," the Israeli prime minister said.

A spokesperson for May said the UK shared Israel's concerns about a recent missile test from Iran, while the British prime minister pressed Netanyahu on his government's pro-settlement position in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown urged May before the visit to reaffirm the UK's support for the Iranian nuclear deal, brokered in 2015 and fiercely opposed by Netanyahu.

"This is a real test for the Prime Minister. Will she stand firm against Trump's unilateral belligerence, back diplomacy and the progress made on this crucial deal; or reverse British policy to curry favour with Mr Trump?" Ashdown said.

"Britain's influence and place in the world depends on our Prime Minister taking the right stance on these issues. She must clearly show her continued support for the Iran deal which offers one of the few bright lights in a fast darkening world."

Number 10 statement on the Netanyahu summit

"The Prime Minister hosted Prime Minister Netanyahu at Downing Street today for their first bilateral meeting and a working lunch.

"In their discussions, the Prime Ministers committed to working together to build on our longstanding relationship and the strong ties that already exist between our two countries in a wide range of areas, from trade and investment, to innovation and technology, and defence and security.

"They discussed their shared belief in free trade and agreed to establish a new UK-Israel Trade Working Group to continue the progress we have seen in our burgeoning trade and investment relationship, and to prepare the ground for a post-Brexit trade agreement. It was noted that Lord Price will visit Israel soon to take this forward. They also discussed opportunities to increase investment in research and development and technology, and strengthen partnerships in these areas between our governments, universities and businesses.

"They talked about the important work we do together on intelligence-sharing and cyber-security, and committed to talk further about how we can deepen this cooperation, to help keep our people safe.

"They also discussed a number of international issues. On Iran, the Prime Minister was clear that the nuclear deal is vital and must be properly enforced and policed, while recognising concerns about Iran's pattern of destabilising activity in the region. They also talked about the Middle East Peace Process and the UK's firm commitment to a two-state solution as the best way to bring stability and peace to the region. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's opposition to settlement activity.

"As we prepare to mark 100 years since the Balfour Declaration, the Prime Minister underlined that Britain remains a close and firm friend of Israel and reiterated our support for Jewish communities in the UK. She invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to attend events taking place in the UK to mark the anniversary in November, as a Guest of Government. He also invited her to visit him in Israel."

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