Hertsmere MP James Clappison believes “democracy is alive and well in Israel” after accompanying the Prime Minister on a recent trip to the country.

Mr Clappison, who is chairman of the Conservative Friends of Israel, was among a delegation of Tory MPs present in the Knesset to hear David Cameron’s speech to the Israeli Parliament.

Mr Clappison said: “It has to be said that the Israeli Parliament can be particularly rumbustious as there was vigorous disagreement before the Prime Minister’s speech.

“However, David Cameron’s speech was treated with great respect and as he himself said ‘The vigorous disagreement between MPs is proof that democracy is alive and well in Israel – and far better to have a democracy like this than a country in which people are afraid to speak their views’.”

He added: “It was a huge honour to be present.”