A DISTRICT MP says the Government must focus on trade with countries such as Israel when the UK leaves the European Union.

Philip Davies (pictured), whose Shipley constituency includes Cullingworth and Denholme, told the Commons that there was “immense potential for growth” in bilateral trade and investment between the UK and Israel following Brexit.

He said: “Does the minister share my hope for greater levels of trade with the start-up nation and will he update the House on the progress made by the UK Israel working group?”

International Trade Minister, Graham Stuart, responded that Britain’s relationship with Israel was “stronger than it has ever been”.

“There are record levels of bilateral co-operation with trade investment, science and technology,” he said

“As is rightly said, the UK Israel trade working group is making good progress in ensuring continuity in our trading relationships as we leave the EU.”

Mr Davies has previously said there is no reason why the EU would not agree a free trade deal with the UK.

“Britain has a huge trade deficit and it would be ‘economic suicide’ for them not to agree,” he added.