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Backbench Business
09 July 2026
Lead MP
Abtisam Mohamed
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ImmigrationMigrants & BordersForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 48
At a Glance
Abtisam Mohamed raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive action. She calls for a ban on trade with illegal settlements, highlighting the economic and humanitarian impacts on Palestinians, including land appropriation, movement restrictions, demolition orders, and displacement. She emphasises that other European countries are implementing bans, urging Britain to follow suit out of moral obligation and consistency with international law.
Zubir Ahmed
Lab
Leicester East
Ahmed supports Mohamed's call for a ban on trade with illegal settlements. He argues that denying medical treatment to Palestinian children and cancer patients in the settlements should be considered terrorism, emphasising the need for Britain to prevent any financial support for such behavior.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Huq agrees with Mohamed's argument that Conservative and Labour Governments have long recognised the illegality of Israeli settlements, yet conditions continue to worsen. She emphasises the inconsistency in recognising Palestine while not banning illegal settlement goods, urging immediate action.
Stella Creasy
Lab
Walthamstow
Creasy supports Mohamed's call for a ban on trade with illegal settlements, arguing that such actions threaten the viability of a two-state solution and thus undermine peace and prosperity in both Israel and Palestine.
Andrew George
Lib Dem
St Ives
George agrees with Mohamed’s stance and suggests additional measures beyond trade sanctions, including financial services regulation and visa restrictions for British citizens serving in the Israel Defence Forces to combat what he terms as 'settlement terrorism'.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
I congratulate the hon. Member for Sheffield Central on her speech and agree with her motion. I could give a legalistic argument but choose to be more emotional, emphasising that while I am philosemitic and supportive of Israel's right to defend itself, what is happening in the west bank is profoundly wrong. Settlers are bullying and forcing Palestinians out of their homes, which must stop for peace to prevail.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Placed a five-minute limit on speeches following the Father of the House's speech.
Thanked Abtisam Mohamed for her powerful speech. Emphasised that settlement expansion in violation of UN Security Council resolution 2334 continues, with attacks against Palestinians reported daily. Since Ben-Gvir became National Security Minister, legal recourse has been cut off almost entirely for Palestinians. Violence must end, and the Government have opposed settlement expansion but need to go further by ending all trade with illegal settlements.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee West
The speaker criticises the UK Government for not responding to a letter regarding the differentiation of goods from Israeli settlements and green-line Israel. He argues that it is feasible to distinguish between goods from illegal settlements, legitimate Palestinian goods, and those from green-line Israel based on existing trade agreements with Israel and Palestine. The speaker highlights other countries' actions in implementing bans and emphasises the importance of recognising a viable state for Palestinians to support the two-state solution. He also calls for action against arms sales and reiterates that without concrete measures, the UK is complicit in Israel’s expansion policies.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
The hon. Member agrees with Chris Law's points on the difficulty of distinguishing between goods from illegal settlements and those from Israel proper, reinforcing that this issue creates no incentive for Israel to differentiate its goods.
Supports Chris Law’s argument against dry, legalistic approaches used by the UK Government. Suggests following other countries in imposing a complete ban on settlement goods and handling legalities later.
Agrees with Chris Law's stance that settlements are illegal and argues for a more robust response from the Government, highlighting the term 'settler terrorism' used by the Foreign Secretary.
Highlights the International Court of Justice’s ruling against Israeli occupation and questions why the UK has not introduced sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia. Calls for more action from the Government to return land to Palestinians.
Glasgow West
The ever-increasing number of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal. Settlers have instigated over 1,700 violent attacks causing casualties or property damage across 270 Palestinian communities in 2025 alone. Sexual violence is also being used to intimidate and humiliate women and girls in Palestinian villages, with 41 new settlements approved in the West Bank last year. The settlement economy has expanded beyond agriculture into tourism, real estate, financial services, construction, transport, digital platforms, and logistics.
Kit Malthouse
Cons
North West Hampshire
Nobody believes that the way Palestinians have to live is acceptable. International law must be upheld; selling bulldozers, buying goods from settlements, and providing financial services only helps sustain this situation. The UK should institute a ban on trade with Israeli settlements like Spain and Ireland have done. There is no legal argument against such a ban, so it must be political. This involves our security, peace, justice, and morality.
Chris Murray
SNP
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield Central for securing today’s debate, and thank Members from all parties for the powerful speeches we have heard... The UK must comprehensively ban all trade in goods and services with settlements in the occupied territories.
Ellie Chowns
Lab
Brent North
I warmly thank the hon. Member for Sheffield Central for securing this much-needed debate. It is unacceptable that despite numerous calls from colleagues, we have heard nothing from the Government except excuses... We must make it clear that it is unacceptable for British money to be at any risk of supporting the continuation of these illegal settlements.
West Dunbartonshire
For my constituents in West Dunbartonshire, the systematic confiscation of Palestinian land and restrictions on movement resonates deeply. In 2009, my local authority became the first council in Scotland to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements; this was extended in subsequent years. During the 2014 Gaza war, I flew the Palestinian flag from Dumbarton town hall as a message of solidarity. The situation today is at breaking point, with settler violence displacing entire villages. The UK must take decisive action beyond recognising Palestine, including funding peace and not apartheid. We should cut off economic lifelines to illegal settlements by implementing a total trade ban.
Iqbal Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
Every pound from Britain to Israel helps perpetuate the illegal occupation and apartheid system against Palestinians. Recent data shows a 560% increase in nationalist crime in the west bank since 2019, with most crimes unreported and unpunished. Settlements expand through violence against families and communities, destroying livelihoods and driving people from their land. The expansion has surged post-Gaza genocide, with 47 new outposts established annually compared to less than five between 1996 and 2022. Over the past year and a half, 70 Palestinian children have been murdered in the west bank, reflecting the impact of settlements on human rights. The British Government should take practical steps to prevent genocide instead of facilitating trade with illegal settlements.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester, Withington
I support a two-state solution but the illegal settlement expansion by the Netanyahu Government is making it less likely every day. Palestinians face violent attacks and restricted access to basic necessities due to their inability to move freely across their land. Settlements are condemned as illegal by international bodies, including the UK, and my constituents call for trade policy to reflect these values with a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). The Government should take steps to prevent trade that supports settler violence and learn from other countries implementing such measures. A commitment to the principle of a settlement trade ban would demonstrate our principles are reflected not only in words but actions.
I congratulate the Government on recognising Palestine, but without territory and safety for its citizens, it remains unviable. Gaza has been devastated by military action, and settlers in East Jerusalem and the west bank are threatening Palestinians with support from the Israeli Government. A two-state solution is essential for peace, so I call on the Minister to ban all trade in goods and services with these illegal Israeli settlements.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South East
Settler violence supported by the Israeli Government is making a two-state solution increasingly unviable. The International Court of Justice has declared racial segregation and apartheid, yet nothing has been done to stop it. We must honour our commitments and ban illegal goods from coming to this country. It is time to act against what the Israeli Government are doing in Gaza and the west bank.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Welcomes the debate and highlights the international law position as stated by the ICJ. Raises concerns over UK's support for Israel, including military assistance. Describes ongoing illegal activities in the west bank and Gaza, emphasising the need to end trade supporting illegal occupation.
Gareth Thomas
Lab
Harrow West
Supports a legal ban on British trade with Israeli settlements under international law. Outlines the impact of settlement expansion on Palestinian children and land confiscation, advocating for measures taken by other countries as precedents.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Argues against the common-sense approach allowing trade from illegal settlements. Highlights legal risks and moral implications of not addressing goods originating from stolen land. Questions the Government's stance on labelling products as 'stolen' or 'illegal'.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough
The Government’s stance on Israel's settlements being illegal under international law is welcomed, but there remains a significant question regarding Britain's allowance of trade and financial activities that sustain these settlements. Two years after the ICJ advisory opinion was given, the UK has yet to clarify how it intends to uphold its legal obligations in relation to the settlements. Despite some measures such as travel bans and sanctions on Israeli Ministers, the Government lacks the tools necessary for addressing this issue comprehensively. The debate highlights the importance of aligning British law with international standards and urges the government to use every available tool to comply with international law.
The expansion of illegal Israeli settlements is causing profound negative impacts on Palestinian communities, including military violence, economic deprivation, and human rights abuses. The current measures taken by the UK Government are insufficient; a ban on trade with illegal settlements is necessary to align with international law and address ongoing human rights violations. Spain and Ireland have already implemented similar restrictions, setting an example for Britain to follow.
The existence of Israeli settlements impedes peace efforts and violates international law. These settlements are not normal places; British actions must reflect this reality by implementing a trade ban in accordance with the ICJ advisory opinion and historic recognition of Palestine. Witnessing human rights abuses in Hebron underscores the urgency for such measures. It is time to act on these issues without further delay.
A visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank revealed the deliberate strategy behind illegal settlements to prevent a viable Palestinian state. While welcoming the UK's recognition of Palestine, there is an urgent need for tangible actions like banning trade with illegal settlements and ensuring British money does not fund settlement expansion or infrastructure destruction. Support for Palestinian institutions is also crucial in addressing financial crises caused by withheld revenues. These measures aim to defend international law and support peace efforts.
Naushabah Khan
Lab
Ealing Southall
For over half a century, successive Governments of every political persuasion have affirmed to this House that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are unlawful. This is not a matter of personal interpretation but a consistent and well-established legal consensus—consensus that is shared by the Foreign Office, codified in resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and, since July 2024, articulated with exceptional clarity by the International Court of Justice. Despite recognition of this fact, settlement goods are sold in British shops, and settler properties were marketed at a fair in London last month. When settlement expansion threatens to extinguish the two-state solution that this Government is committed to, we must ask ourselves what purpose is served by delaying the upholding of moral and legal obligations that some of our European allies have already begun to uphold. The United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs documented over 1,700 settler attacks on Palestinian communities across the West Bank just last year.
Sheffield Central
When discussing this issue, we should start from a clear principle: if we support a two-state solution, we cannot trade with those who, through illegal activities, make that less achievable with every passing day. Prosperity and dignity depend on ordinary things like getting to work on time; children being able to see their grandparents; and accessing water, services and opportunities—but these are not possible for an increasing number of Palestinian communities due to regular obstructions faced by them in getting to their land and place of work, intimidation from nearby settlers, and the frustration of lawlessness. For people like Sharif and communities like Jayyous, we must examine seriously whether trade with illegal settlements is compatible and consistent with our values and objectives for a two-state solution.
Hayes and Harlington
We cannot keep on debating without taking action. I have been raising two cases over the last few weeks: Dr Mazen al-Rantisi, who has been arrested and is unaccounted for since his house was raided in Ramallah; and Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, who has been in solitary confinement for 18 months with conditions that may be life-threatening. I fear that if we do not take action within a few weeks, he may no longer be alive.
Alex Sobel
Lab
Leeds North West
I support the call for a total ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, in line with our European counterparts. Violence and harassment by Israeli settlers have reached unprecedented levels, according to the UN, with more than 1,700 settler attacks recorded across over 217 Palestinian communities in the West Bank in 2025. I raise the need to free Marwan Barghouti, who has been unjustly imprisoned for over two decades and is Palestine’s most popular leader.
Elsie Blundell
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Welcomed contributions from colleagues, expressed solidarity with Palestinians and Israelis seeking peace. Highlighted the negative impact of illegal settlements on women and children's lives, including forced exploitative employment and increased risk of violence. Called for a complete ban on trade and investment in illegal settlements and urged clarity on conversations with Israeli counterparts regarding treatment of civilians.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Walthamstow
Discussed the murder of Awdah Hathaleen by settler Yinon Levi, emphasising how UK's west bank policy is ineffective in practice. Criticised sanctions for being weak and not prohibiting trade with sanctioned individuals. Stressed that complexity should not be an excuse for inaction.
Charlie Maynard
Lab
Witney
Emphasised the humanitarian crisis in Occupied Palestinian Territories, noting 2,000 deaths since October 2023. Advocated for a legislative ban on UK trade with illegal Israeli settlements and inclusion of services within sanctions. Highlighted international examples like Spain and Belgium implementing similar bans. Called for evidence from Government regarding enforcement of current labelling measures.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South East
Questions whether the Israeli Government can be criticised for their support of settlements, noting the IDF's presence during settler activities.
Points out that Arab allies have been calling for actions in support of a two-state solution and criticises the suggestion that doing nothing is better than taking decisive action.
Asks if it is ever possible to be critical of one’s allies, even when they are considered critical allies like Israel.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
I congratulate my hon. Friend for raising these issues and emphasise the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including immediate aid provision and ceasefire adherence. I denounce illegal settlements as morally wrong, legally indefensible and counterproductive. While acknowledging criticism, it is essential to distinguish legitimate trade with green-line Israel from support of illegal settlements. The Government is actively considering measures such as banning goods and services imports/exports related to the settlements.
Hussain
Lab
Blackburn
Emphasised the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza without delay, highlighting the need for immediate aid delivery and ceasefire compliance. Criticised the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements as criminal and counterproductive to achieving a two-state solution.
Gareth Davies
Con
Grantham and Bourne
Suggested that some criticism towards Israel may undermine its existence, which he argues is important to distinguish from legitimate critique of Israeli Government actions.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Asked for clarification on the timeline for considering and implementing measures against trade with illegal settlements, expressing urgency in addressing this issue.
Charlie Maynard
Lib Dem
Witney
Discussed potential bans on exports of UK goods to illegal settlements and mentioned specific examples such as machinery sales by a company, highlighting the challenge of goods moving freely between green-line Israel and illegal settlements.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Pressed for clear and decisive action on banning settlement goods, questioning the meaning of 'actively considering' measures and urging immediate steps against products enabling civilisational erasure in Palestine.
Thanked colleagues for their contributions, acknowledged the Minister's work and action on the issue of banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Suggested a meeting to ensure tangible action is taken.
Made a point of order regarding unannounced visits by Conservative MPs to his constituency, including the Leader of the Opposition, and questioned how leadership standards can be upheld in this regard.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Responded to points of order, reminding Members of the rules regarding notification for constituency visits and expressing hope that such guidance will reduce discourtesies. Also addressed a point about thanking Richard Pengelly on his retirement.
Made a point of order to recognise and thank Richard Pengelly, who is retiring after almost 40 years of service as the linchpin of Strangers in Parliament.
Government Response
The Government is actively considering a range of measures including banning imports/exports of goods/services related to illegal settlements, while ensuring these actions do not harm legitimate trade with green-line Israel. We are exploring various legal frameworks and have engaged in discussions with other countries regarding their approaches.
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