Concerns regarding the involvement of an Israeli company in Cheltenham’s Golden Valley cyber development have been addressed and dismissed by local authorities and partners.
The £1 billion flagship initiative, overseen by Cheltenham Borough Council, aims to establish a dedicated cyber-security and technology innovation campus adjacent to GCHQ in the west of the town. This ambitious project is regarded as a pivotal step towards cementing the region’s reputation as the UK’s cyber capital.
Questions were raised about potential ties between Israeli open innovation firm SOSA and Golden Valley innovation partner Plexal, which plays a key role in connecting government, industry, and startups to foster a national cyber and technology cluster.
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In December 2019, Plexal signed a memorandum of understanding with SOSA to explore possible collaboration. However, Plexal has clarified that this agreement did not lead to any joint projects and that SOSA is not involved in their current activities or partnerships, including those in Gloucestershire.
Former deputy leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, John Webster, expressed concerns regarding the ethical implications of such partnerships, particularly relating to the development of cyber technology and artificial intelligence as potential instruments of war. He highlighted the 2023 UK-Israel technology cooperation roadmap, which references the Cheltenham scheme and affirms a shared commitment to universal human rights.
Mr Webster emphasised the council’s responsibility for transparency in its partnerships, stating: “Cheltenham Borough Council did not create the war in Gaza and does not make foreign policy. But it is responsible for its own decisions, partnerships and reputation. The council must therefore be completely transparent about SOSA’s role in Golden Valley.”
In response, a Cheltenham Borough Council spokesperson confirmed, “Cheltenham Borough Council and its development partner, HBD, do not have any relationship with SOSA and they are not involved in the Golden Valley development.”
Similarly, a spokesperson for Plexal reiterated their position: “Plexal entered into a 12-month memorandum of understanding with SOSA in December 2019 to explore potential collaboration opportunities. That agreement did not result in further projects, and does not form part of Plexal’s current business activities, delivery or partnership arrangements, including in Gloucestershire.”