Israel and Palestine

Thomas Tugendhat Con

Tonbridge and Malling

Question

The Shadow Foreign Secretary questioned the coherence of the sanctions policy, asking if the advice from the Department had changed dramatically. He also inquired about conversations with partners and allies, the impact on domestic security and community cohesion, and the security partnerships with Israel and the US. He sought assurances on the availability of pharmaceutical drugs for patients and the instructions given to the Foreign Office regarding accreditation of diplomats to the Palestinian embassy.

Minister reply

The Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and European Relations, my right hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), has stated that the sanctions will target illegal settlements and settlement expansion, not Israel. The UK will continue to support important and valued trade with Israel, as it supports the two-state solution. The Government have had conversations with partners and allies to coordinate a full international action. The Minister acknowledged the impact on domestic security and community cohesion and promised to instruct enforcement bodies to ensure that essential drugs will still be available. Regarding the accreditation of diplomats, the Government will follow standard procedures and legal obligations.

Thomas Tugendhat Con

Tonbridge and Malling

Question

The MP questioned the coherence of the sanctions policy, the coordination with international partners, the impact on domestic security and community cohesion, security partnerships with Israel and the US, medical supplies, and the accreditation of diplomats to the Palestinian embassy. He criticised the performative nature of the policy and the lack of wide support.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary denied the claim that the UK wants to make Israel a pariah state and emphasised the UK's willingness to maintain trade relations with 'Green Line Israel' while imposing sanctions on settlements. He stated that the sanctions will be geographic and will not affect green-line Israel. He highlighted the international coalition assembled to act with others and expressed confidence in the UK's intelligence and security partnerships. The minister also assured that medical supplies will be protected.

Emily Thornberry Lab

Islington South and Finsbury

Question

The MP congratulated the Foreign Secretary on taking a strong stance against the illegal building of settlements in the occupied territories of Palestine. She requested that Ministers and officials meet her Committee to discuss the speedy implementation of the sanctions.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary thanked the MP and expressed willingness to work with her and her Committee on the speedy implementation of the sanctions.

Calum Miller Lib Dem

Question

The MP strongly associates himself and his party with the Foreign Secretary's statement. He criticises the recent violence and annexation in Palestine, expressing concern over the two-state solution and the UK's response. He welcomes the Foreign Secretary's statement but believes it is long overdue, urging for more robust measures and enforcement. He also asks for the Foreign Secretary's commitment to the International Court of Justice's work and the UK's assessment of the duties arising from the ICJ's 2024 opinion.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary thanks the MP for his support and advocacy. He confirms the UK's support for the ICJ's work and the ruling of unlawfulness. He clarifies that the UK stopped direct parts to Israel’s F-35 programme in October 2024, but continues to support the global supply chain due to its importance to NATO and other allies. He agrees with the MP on the need to support reform of the Palestinian Authority and the disarmament of Hamas, and expresses willingness to work with MPs across the House to implement these measures effectively.

Liam Byrne Lab

Birmingham, Hodge Hill

Question

The MP welcomes the Foreign Secretary's statement and corrects the shadow Foreign Secretary's representation of correspondence between Ministers and his Committee. He asks if the Foreign Secretary is taking on new legal powers to implement the full ban on goods, services, and investment to the settlements in the occupied territories.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary confirms that there will be a new sanctions regime under the SAMLA regime, which covers settlements in the occupied territories, allowing action on both goods and services. He acknowledges the need for action on both goods and services to make a real difference to settlement expansion.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

Question

The MP expresses his deep friendship with Israel and his support for freedom, morality, and justice for all people in the world. He asks if the Israeli Government could differentiate between general trade and trade to illegal settlements, and if the UK's support for Israel's right to defend itself should affect their intelligence relationship.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary thanks the MP for his words and acknowledges his deep friendship with Israel. He agrees that the actions of the Israeli Government over the past few years have not made Israel more secure, and argues that there can be no security for the people of Israel without a two-state solution.

Sarah Champion Lab

Rotherham

Question

Welcomed the statement and questioned the Foreign Secretary on the potential for moving a motion at the UN Security Council to protect Palestinian rights and the support for the Palestinian Authority. She also inquired about measures to facilitate journalists and politicians entering Gaza.

Minister reply

Acknowledged the ICJ recommendation and the urgent situation in Gaza, and stated plans to address these issues through UN events and conferences.

Julian Lewis Con

New Forest East

Question

Asked if the statement will influence the policies of the Israeli Government and whether he had any contact with the Israeli Opposition parties.

Minister reply

Emphasised that the British Government's policy is clear and that they will assess future Israeli Governments on their actions regarding Gaza and the West Bank.

Naseem Shah Lab

Bradford West

Question

Praised the Foreign Secretary for the strong stance and asked if Britain needs to continue showing leadership to ensure the two-state solution.

Minister reply

Agreed with the need for continued leadership and recognised the work of individuals and organisations supporting Palestinians.

Oliver Dowden Con

Hertsmere

Question

Expressed concern about the timing and impact of the statement on the Jewish community in Britain.

Minister reply

Distinguished between the Israeli people and the Israeli Government, emphasising the urgency of the situation and the need to take responsibility for political and moral decisions.

Charlotte Nichols Lab

Question

Asked for assurances regarding the import of religious products such as etrogim during Jewish high holy days.

Minister reply

Confirmed that there will be suitable religious exemptions from the import ban, noting the importance of getting it right through dialogue with the Jewish community.

Layla Moran Lib Dem

Oxford West and Abingdon

Question

Acknowledged the importance of the statement and inquired about working with Members across the House to uphold international law.

Minister reply

Promised to work together across parties to address these issues at the UN General Assembly.

Sam Rushworth Lab

Question

Asked about the possibility of looking at universal jurisdiction for British citizens involved in settlement activity.

Minister reply

Indicated that the message sent today is clear regarding those involved in settlement activity and agreed to look at the point raised.

Bob Blackman Con

Harrow East

Question

Expressed concern about the risks of the statement affecting Israeli elections and the view that it strengthens the Arab's view of Israel's destruction.

Minister reply

Rejected the premise of the question and emphasised the importance of understanding the difference between green-line Israel and the occupied territories.

Zubir Ahmed SNP

Glasgow South West

Question

Expressed support for the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister's leadership, and asked for continued support for medical aid in Gaza.

Minister reply

Offered to work with Members in the run-up to the UN General Assembly to address the situation in Gaza.

Monica Harding Lab

Question

Congratulations to the Foreign Secretary on his statement on Israeli settlements. She asks about the Government's assessment of whether the current interpretation of dual-use restrictions in Gaza is compatible with international humanitarian law.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary acknowledges the importance of the issue and describes the blocking of dual-use goods as a disturbing strategy that needs to be stopped.

Simon Opher Lab

Question

Thanking the Foreign Secretary for the proactive stance, the MP asks if he would meet to discuss measures to prevent the targeting of health workers in Gaza.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary agrees to meet with the MP and others, particularly ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, to discuss ways to prevent the targeting of health workers.

Kit Malthouse Con

North West Hampshire

Question

The MP applauds the Foreign Secretary's steps to deter Israeli ambitions in the West Bank but questions why there is a nine-month wait before action. He also asks about readiness to take further steps if the current measures do not work and whether the UK will uphold international law impartially.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary explains the need to get it right for reasons such as religious exemptions and the security of Israel. He confirms readiness to act quickly and discusses the extension of global human rights sanctions for breaches of international humanitarian law.

Afzal Khan Lab

Manchester, Gorton

Question

Welcoming the statement, the MP asks about discussions with allies to encourage support for the International Criminal Court's judicial process regarding Palestine.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary confirms support for the ICJ's work and the importance of upholding international law and the work of these courts.

Brendan O'Hara SNP

Argyll and Bute

Question

The MP welcomes the statement and questions the effectiveness of the sanctions, urging further action if Israel presses ahead with illegal expansion.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary states that the sanctions regime will make a substantive difference and that it will be reviewed to ensure effectiveness.

Abtisam Mohamed Lab

Question

The MP thanks the Foreign Secretary for the recognition of Palestinian lives and asks about the status of ICC arrest warrants.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary praises the MP's work and confirms support for the ICC and the importance of upholding international law.

Mark Pritchard Con

The Wrekin

Question

The MP welcomes the moral, legal, and ethical stance of the Foreign Secretary and asks about reconciling the timing of recognition of a Palestinian state.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary agrees that action is required and that the UK needs to work with others to protect the viability of a future two-state solution.

Fleur Anderson Lab

Question

The MP welcomes the action on settlements and asks for more detail on releasing Palestinian tax revenues withheld by Israel.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary agrees that releasing funds is crucial for the viability of the Palestinian Authority and state.

Munira Wilson Lib Dem

Question

The MP welcomes the Foreign Secretary’s statement and asks about specific action to prevent British companies like JCB from facilitating settlement destruction.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary acknowledges the importance of the issue and confirms that the sanctions regime will target the construction and financing of settlement expansion.

Hilary Benn Lab

Leeds Central

Question

May I congratulate my right hon. Friend on both the substance and the moral clarity of his statement today? Last weekend, Mike Huckabee, the United States ambassador to Israel, condemned Israeli settler violence as terrorism. Does my right hon. Friend therefore share the widespread concern that the IDF, rather than taking action to arrest these terrorists, is all too often to be seen watching—or even facilitating, as has been widely reported—while Palestinians’ homes are attacked and their properties seized?

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend speaks with enormous distinction on these and many other issues, and I thank him for his contribution. He is right. I urge Members in all parts of the House to read the accounts of what is happening in the west bank and what is happening in relation to the settlers. It is impossible to avoid the conclusion that members of the IDF are anything other than complicit in what is happening—episode after episode that has been documented of what is actually happening on the ground.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Question

I join that long list of UK Ministers who have raised, at the very highest level in Israel, the most egregious practices in the west bank, designed specifically to prevent a two-state solution, only for Israeli policy to double down. Accordingly, I congratulate the Secretary of State.

Minister reply

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his contribution. His experience speaks to the frustration of Ministers on both sides of this House who have repeatedly tried to make a difference, pleading with Israeli Ministers to see what was going on and to act on it, and who have been rebuffed. That is what has led to today’s announcement.

Paula Barker

Question

I hope the whole House will join me in condemning the personal attacks and smears that the Foreign Secretary faced over the weekend. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”] I congratulate my right hon. Friend and the Prime Minister for the strong stance they have taken. Does he agree that the acts of violence perpetrated by the settlers in the west bank must be called out for what they are: settler terrorism designed to forcibly remove Palestinian communities?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The world’s eyes have rightly been on the crisis in Gaza. The world’s eyes have to be on that crisis and also on the appalling settler terrorism we are seeing in the west bank. I talked about it in my statement, but the fact that a former Israeli Prime Minister described it as ethnic cleansing should give people—not just in this House, but in Israel—proper pause about what is actually happening.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Question

It is welcome that the UK is finally banning trade with illegal settlements in Palestine and it is right that we no longer condone economic tolerance for these settlements, which fly in the face of international law and the sovereignty of Palestine. But if the sanctions are to be truly more than symbolic, can the Secretary of State tell us how the ban will be enforced and how we will ensure that goods from illegal settlements are not simply re-labelled, or services concealed within contractual sleight of hand, to get round his proposals?

Minister reply

Like all our sanctions regimes, fines and action will be taken against companies that breach them. We are widely known across the world for the strength of our sanctions regime. It is really important to underline the point that, by using the SAMLA powers, these will be tough sanctions, and it will be absolutely clear that there will be penalties for breaching them.

Alex Ballinger

Question

I strongly welcome the Government’s new sanctions, which are the right and moral approach to the crimes we have been seeing and continue to see in the west bank. The Foreign Secretary will have seen the comments from Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir that, in response to the sanctions, Israel should recognise Argentina’s claims on the Falkland Islands. Will the Foreign Secretary now make it clear that such threats will not stop the UK upholding international law and the right of people to self-determination, whether that is in the Falkland Islands or in the Occupied Palestinian Territories?

Minister reply

Obviously, those comments are absurd and wrong. The Falkland Islands are British and will remain so because that is what the islanders want. Those comments show a complete lack of understanding and comprehension of the injustice and unlawfulness that is going on in relation to the occupied territories, because it is an occupation against the will of the people there. The Falkland Islands are British, as I say, because that is what the Falkland Islanders want.

Andrew Murrison Con

South West Wiltshire

Question

Since the Foreign Secretary is not going to get the co-operation, fulsome or otherwise, of the Israeli state in differentiating goods and services made in the settlements from those that are assembled, repackaged, produced and grown in Israel itself, how is he going to distinguish the one from the other?

Minister reply

That will be the responsibility of British businesses and other businesses that want to import into this country. I want to underline this point. That is the point of the sanctions regime we are bringing in. Just to develop the point a bit more, it is likely to be based on the postcodes of where the settlements are. Companies will have to say that the goods they are bringing in do not come from those areas.

Mark Sewards

Question

I support the Government’s complete opposition to the expansion of E1, and their opposition to the violent settlers who put the two-state solution genuinely at risk. I just want to press the Foreign Secretary further on his comments about BDS. What further specific details can he give this House that these measures will not be interpreted as support for that movement, or indeed—following on from questions from others—spill over into a de facto ban on other Israeli goods? We know that the BDS movement is supported by people who think that the Jewish people and the Jewish people alone have no right to self-determination.

Minister reply

I thank my hon. Friend for his contribution. I also thank him for the conversations we have had in the run-up to the statement; they have been important. I will say a couple of things. We absolutely oppose the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement against Israel. This is about settlements in the occupied territories. In answer to the question from the right hon. Member for North West Hampshire (Kit Malthouse) on why this will take six to nine months, it is precisely to get the regime right so that it does not affect or impinge on green-line Israel.

Susan Murray

Question

I thank the Foreign Secretary for his statement. On behalf of my constituents, I am asking him not to overlook the Palestinian healthcare workers, including Dr Abu Safiya, who are being held in Israeli prisons, and for him to work to secure their release.

Minister reply

The hon. Lady raises a very, very important case, and I am glad that she has done. I am happy to look at it and will endeavour to do everything I can to make a difference.

Rushanara Ali Lab

Bethnal Green and Bow

Question

I thank the Foreign Secretary for his incredibly moving and courageous statement. He has been a friend of Israelis and Palestinians. When he was Leader of the Opposition, he and the Labour party recognised Palestinian statehood, and I am proud of the fact that this Labour Government have recognised Palestinian statehood. We know that at least 17 companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements were found to hold 125 UK public sector contracts worth £2.1 billion, so does the Foreign Secretary agree that without sanctions, we will not be able to take the necessary action to protect a viable two-state solution and ensure that we see the day when we have a Palestinian state?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend has been an incredibly powerful advocate on the issue for a long period of time, and I welcome her words. She is absolutely right: I am afraid that inaction is simply abdicating our responsibilities for what we see happening before our eyes, and what has been eloquently described by Members on both sides of this House. That is why we have taken this action, which is designed to make a difference and help to save the two-state solution.

Jack Rankin

Question

I draw Members’ attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. The middle east and north Africa contain multiple wars, protracted civil conflicts and severe humanitarian crises. Of the 193 UN member states, what exactly does the Foreign Secretary think explains the relentless focus—morning, noon and night—on the one Jewish state, a country covering just 0.01% of the world’s surface? Does he really think that all the antisemitic, Corbynista, activist crowd, and unintegrated, sectarian, immigrant groups, will again vote for his party if he panders to their unhealthy obsession?

Minister reply

I regret the tone of the hon. Gentleman’s question, honestly. He needs to take a sober look at what has happened in relation to Israel and Palestine, and what is happening in Gaza and the west bank. From Members on his own side, as well as across the House, he has heard the huge injustices eloquently described. My view is that we need to be tackling injustice across the world, but we cannot ignore the centrality of Israel and Palestine—both our historic relationship with Israel and our responsibilities, and the suffering of the Palestinian people. Frankly, in terms of our geopolitical interests, we will never have stability in the middle east without a two-state solution. For all those reasons, it is right that we act.

Damien Egan

Question

All of us want to see an end to violence in the west bank. The Government should challenge the Israeli Government, but also the Palestinian Authority. I find myself asking, “Will these sanctions bring peace any closer and how will they impact Britain?” Given that other anti-Israel measures have failed to have the impact that the Government seek, what difference does the Secretary of State think this new round will make? Given our deep trade relationships in areas like defence and health, as well as warnings about possible conflict with US policy, is there not a risk that British interests could be harmed as a result of this announcement?

Minister reply

I think the answer to my hon. Friend’s question is no. I want to correct him on one thing: these are not anti-Israel policies. This is about the occupied territories, which we as a Government, along with the ICJ, have found were unlawfully occupied—it is really important to say that. Once we decide that it is an unlawful occupation, I do believe that, as a matter of principle and morality, then other things follow about the economic relationships that we choose to have.

Ellie Chowns

Question

The MP welcomed the statement and acknowledged the long wait for such a significant announcement. However, she questioned whether waiting another six to nine months to implement sanctions is still too long given the ongoing genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the west bank.

Minister reply

The minister thanked the MP for her kind words and confirmed that the timeframe of six to nine months is subject to review. He emphasised the importance of getting the sanctions right to ensure they make a difference and noted that the extension of the global human rights regime will allow for quicker action.

James Asser

Question

The MP welcomed the Foreign Secretary's statement and highlighted the plight of unaccompanied children in Gaza, particularly the medical system collapse, and asked what more can be done to provide protection and medical aid to these children.

Minister reply

The minister acknowledged the issue and committed to doing as much as possible to address the healthcare crisis in Gaza, emphasising the importance of moving things forward to make a difference.

Jeremy Corbyn Lab

Islington North

Question

The MP supported the Palestinian people's right to justice and peace and called on Israel to withdraw completely from Gaza and for Hamas to disarm. He also raised concerns about intelligence sharing and military cooperation with Israel.

Minister reply

The minister agreed with the MP on the need for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and Hamas to disarm. He emphasised the mobilization of people across the world on the issue and noted that the UK is not helping with the occupation through intelligence sharing.

Preet Kaur Gill Lab

Birmingham, Edgbaston

Question

The MP raised concerns about the elevated threat facing British Jews with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approaching and asked what steps the Government has taken to ensure that measures do not contribute to further antisemitism.

Minister reply

The minister emphasised the importance of protecting Jewish communities and stressed that no British Jew should be held responsible for the actions of the Israeli Government. He called on all Members to transmit the message that British Jews are not responsible for Israeli Government actions.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

Question

The MP welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s remarks and asked what steps will be taken to allow UK banks and corporate institutions to audit their customer base to ensure proper handling of supply chains.

Minister reply

The minister confirmed that the sanctions regime will target trade from illegal settlements, not Israel or Jewish people, and emphasised the importance of protecting trade with green-line Israel and financial services within it.

Yasmin Qureshi Lab

Bolton South East

Question

The MP praised the Government’s action and emphasised the illegality of Israel’s occupation of the west bank and Gaza under international law. He asked if the Government would retreat from the sanctions under pressure from Washington or Tel Aviv.

Minister reply

The minister confirmed that the Government’s plans will not be influenced by pressure from other countries, emphasising that they will act based on national interest and values.

Richard Tice

Question

The MP expressed concern that the sanctions would embolden antisemitism against British Jews, endanger the UK-US relationship, and lead to tit-for-tat sanctions from Israel.

Minister reply

The minister dismissed the MP’s concerns as irresponsible and reiterated that no British Jew is responsible for the policies of the Israeli Government, emphasising the importance of clarity on this issue.

Debbie Abrahams Lab

Oldham East and Saddleworth

Question

The MP congratulated the Foreign Secretary on the content and tone of his statement and asked for details of the next steps around the SAMLA statutory instrument.

Minister reply

The minister committed to getting on with the process of making the statutory instrument happen and emphasised the importance of protecting Jewish communities from antisemitism.

Andrew George Lib Dem

St Ives

Question

The MP welcomed the Foreign Secretary's remarks about the need for a proper investigation into the unlawful killing of those serving in the World Central Kitchen and asked about sanctions on British banks and citizens complicit in the west bank situation.

Minister reply

The minister confirmed the intent to impose sanctions on British companies involved in financing, construction, or infrastructure of settlement expansion and emphasised the importance of proper investigation into unlawful killings.

Tulip Siddiq Lab

Hampstead and Kilburn

Question

While I recognise this was not the main part of the Foreign Secretary’s statement, I thank him for raising the plight of British Jewish children who are fearful going to school. As he will know, a lot of British Jewish children live in my constituency, and their safety is my main priority. On the subject of children, a recent report showed that 40% of displaced children in Palestine lose complete access to education. The Foreign Secretary has outlined a host of policies and legislation in his statement today; has he given any thought to how he would help these displaced children to ensure that they do not lose access to schooling?

Minister reply

Well, that was worth my hon. Friend getting some extra time—thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. My hon. Friend raises a really important issue around education, and an important issue around the safety of Jewish children going to school in the UK. We will take forward both of those issues.

Zarah Sultana

Question

This Government still describe Israel, an apartheid state committing genocide in Gaza, as a strategically important partner. They announce a partial arms sales ban while continuing to provide intelligence and F-35 fighter jet components via the international pool. Whether directly or indirectly, arming a genocide is still arming a genocide. The Foreign Secretary could impose full economic and diplomatic sanctions on Israel, but he refuses. He could end all arms sales and intelligence co-operation, but he refuses. He could call this what it is—a genocide—but he refuses. I will ask him directly: how many more Palestinian men, women and children must be killed by Union Jack weapons before this Government finally stop arming Israel completely?

Minister reply

The hon. Lady’s statement is a complete travesty. This Government are taking action. We are taking action on goods and on services, and we have banned arms licences for the IDF in Gaza. We have taken action across the board. We have declared the occupation unlawful. Her statement might have been designed for TikTok, but it really does not become her.

Stella Creasy Lab

Walthamstow

Question

I thank the Foreign Secretary for his clear-sighted commitment not only to talk about a two-state solution, but to actually try to act to achieve it, as the only foundation of a safe Israel and a free Palestine. I also thank him for his clarity that international law matters and on who it is who is putting the two-state solution at risk: the current Israeli Government. It is good to see the Foreign Secretary working across the world on this. We can see that we have partners in this mission, but we know that there are also those who would oppose what he is seeking to do. Sadly, we have already heard talk that there will be retaliation, particularly from Israel and America, if the ban goes ahead. Could he reassure the House that we will not acquiesce and bend to such pressure, and that the only action that could ever be acceptable to us to make us contemplate reversing this ban would be a halt on the E1 development and a permanent end to settler violence?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend speaks with great expertise on these issues, and she is absolutely right. We are going to act in our national interest on the basis of our values. That is not just our right but our duty as a country.

Vikki Slade

Question

I join the thanks to the Government for these actions, but am deeply concerned about the fear that the shadow Foreign Secretary’s comments may have caused. The Foreign Secretary made it clear that this is action against the settlements; he confirmed the continued trade within green-line Israel. Will he assure our constituents that life-saving drugs made in Israel—mainly around the Tel Aviv central area and not in illegal settlements—are not at threat, and that the supply chains for medications will not be affected by this very welcome action?

Minister reply

I am glad that the hon. Lady asked that question. She is absolutely right, and I can answer with an emphatic yes.

Yuan Yang

Question

Two months ago, our new Prime Minister admitted that the UK needed to do better. Today, the Foreign Secretary has shown us how things get done, by working together with our allies to declare a ban on trade with illegal settlements and declaring the occupation unlawful. Last year, my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield Central (Abtisam Mohamed) and I were denied entry to the west bank for our advocacy in this House. The Foreign Secretary has already withstood threats and intimidation as a result of his bold, principled stand. Will he continue to do so with the moral courage he has shown us?

Minister reply

I thank my hon. Friend for her question; she is absolutely right about the question of access. Across the board, politicians and others are being denied access to see what is going on for themselves. That should make one extremely sceptical and fearful, frankly, of what is happening on the ground.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

Question

I draw attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. The Foreign Secretary has said that his concern is for the behaviour of some settlers on the west bank, and I think we all share that, but does he accept that the fear of losing votes to the Green party and the independent Members on the Bench behind me is also a major reason why he is politically and economically punishing one of our allies, which supplies us with important intelligence information? Does he also accept that this will punish Palestinians, eventually lead to a total boycott in order to be effective, and lead to economically damaging retaliation—

Minister reply

I do not accept any of what the right hon. Gentleman said. I have known him a long time, so I say this to him: how dare he try to speak for the Palestinian people instead of the Palestinian Prime Minister or the Palestinian ambassador in the UK? Why does he not meet the Palestinian ambassador in the UK and hear from him?

Alex Sobel Lab

Leeds North West

Question

I am pleased that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary started by talking about our shared history of visiting our grandmothers in Israel. It gives him a clarity and authority on these matters that few else in the Chamber have. We would not accept goods from Russian-occupied Ukraine or Chinese-occupied Tibet, so why would we accept goods from Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory? I still have many Gazan students wishing to come to Leeds University, as do other colleagues to other universities, and not being able to get their visas. Can we look at a visa-lite or visa-free regime for those Gazan students?

Minister reply

We will keep looking at what we can do for students and others from Gaza. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that. He makes a fundamental point: the ICJ has made its statement on legality, and we have taken a view on legality. People can accept that or not, but if we accept it, how can we possibly defend a continued and unchanged economic relationships with the occupied territories?

Danny Chambers

Question

I thank the Foreign Secretary for his eloquent and moving statement giving his perspective as a British Jew in this awful situation. Settlers have been deliberately killing Palestinian men, women and children. They have also been killing and stealing their livestock and preventing them from grazing in pastoral areas. For pastoral communities, this is absolutely devastating, and it is simply another mechanism of forced displacement. Will the Foreign Secretary consider sanctioning the Israeli Ministers who are encouraging and endorsing such violence?

Minister reply

We have already sanctioned two Israeli Ministers who did that, but we always keep our sanctions regime under review. The hon. Gentleman makes a profoundly important point about the everyday intimidation that Palestinians on the west bank face—not just this year or under this Government but under previous Governments. It has been an endless amount of intimidation, and I saw it and heard from people about it in 2014 when I was there. Frankly, it is totally indefensible.

Clive Betts Lab

Sheffield South East

Question

I wholeheartedly welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement, both its content and its tone. I would like to ask about his discussions with our colleagues and allies in other countries who are looking to implement similar sanctions. The Netherlands Government announced their intention to reimpose sanctions in July and will implement them on 22 September. Will my right hon. Friend ask them why that has only taken them two months, when we are going to take eight to nine months?

Minister reply

I think they have a slightly different regime, but I am in touch with my Dutch colleague and will definitely ask him if we can do it more quickly.

Shockat Adam

Question

The Egyptian-American author Omar El Akkad said: “One day, when it is safe, when there is no personal downside to calling a thing what it is, when it is too late to hold anyone accountable, everyone will have always been against this.” I thank the Foreign Secretary for his statement, and many of my constituents will thank him. It is late—70,000 Gazans dead, late—but it is not too late to hold those perpetrating war crimes to account. What will he do to hold the war criminals to account?

Minister reply

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind remarks. I believe in accountability for war crimes. That is what the international courts are for.

Richard Burgon Lab

Leeds East

Question

These sanctions on Israel for its illegal occupation are incredibly welcome as a step towards meeting our moral and legal obligations. Will the Foreign Secretary continue to resist pressure from those who say that he should not make international law apply to Israel? May I urge him to push forward and demand the full implementation of the ICJ ruling so that the Palestinian people can have justice?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend has campaigned on these issues for a long time. He is absolutely right about the importance of both accountability and international law. We will be guided by it.

Freddie Van Mierlo

Question

Before the recess, a group of schoolchildren from my constituency handed in a petition to No. 10 as part of their “Courageous Advocacy” project. They wanted children in Palestine to have the same right to education as they do. Will the Foreign Secretary respond to their petition now and say what steps he is taking to ensure that their words are heard?

Minister reply

We want to do everything we can to help Palestinian children in Gaza and the west bank. The best thing we can do is get a two-state solution without the intimidation, threats, death and destruction that so many Palestinian children have faced. I take this opportunity to congratulate the children at the school in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency on being moved by this issue and advocating on it.

Apsana Begum Lab

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for his statement and the long-awaited announcement, but may I press him on the UK’s existing intelligence and security partnership with Israel? Given that experts have said that RAF spy planes over Gaza and Lebanon this year have provided visuals and intelligence to the Israeli military shortly before massive air strikes, can he confirm whether the UK Government are assessing the UK’s legal position regarding the 2020 UK-Israel military co-operation agreement?

Minister reply

We do not comment on intelligence and security matters, but I can honestly assure my hon. Friend that we are not involved in the occupation or actions in Gaza and the west bank. That is not the nature of our intelligence and security co-operation with Israel.

Iqbal Mohamed Lab

Question

May I join many hon. Members across the House in thanking the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister for the statement and this vital change in Government policy? However, many will ask why this action has taken so long, since the ICJ advisory opinion was issued in July 2024 and ethnic cleansing and genocide have continued both in the west bank and Gaza. Will the Foreign Secretary explain why it has taken the Labour Government so long to act? Will they now fully comply with their obligations under the ICJ advisory opinion? Will they conduct a review of British policy of non-compliance with international law in Israel?

Minister reply

I say bluntly to the hon. Member that we should have acted earlier. It has taken the new Prime Minister to come in and recognise the gravity of the situation and the degree of public concern on these questions. We concur with the ICJ’s conclusions on the unlawfulness of the occupation and we will ensure that we abide by what that implies.

Kirsteen Sullivan Lab

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for his strong statement and extend to him the gratitude of my constituents who have already been in touch with me. I have spoken before in this place about the villagers of Jayyous in the west bank who have been living under constant intimidation and fear, with farmers unable to harvest their crops and children unable to get to school. Does he agree that the statement sends an important message to the people of Jayyous and those across Palestine that they are not alone and that their calls for solidarity and the rule of law to be upheld have been heard?

Minister reply

I feel moved by what my hon. Friend has asked. I really thank her for the work that she has been doing. As I thought long and hard about the statement and some of the words I used—one has to weigh one’s words carefully—I thought precisely that those people who are under, for example, settler terrorism and the attempts at ethnic cleansing deserve at least the truth to be told about what they are facing. So, absolutely, this is in part an expression of solidarity with the people my hon. Friend talks about.

Caroline Voaden Lab

Question

I warmly welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement and its tone, and especially the fact that he referred clearly to ethnic cleansing and an illegal occupation. We have to stop the E1 settlement, which is a red line for the two-state solution, so I welcome these sanctions. Although we had been told for a long time that they were not possible, it is really good to see them today. On the sanctions, there will be Israeli companies exporting from the green-line area and occupied territories; we will be relying on their honesty to declare that. Likewise, military hardware made in the UK might go to green-line Israel, but it might be deployed in the occupied territories. Will he explain how he can guarantee that the sanctions will work?

Minister reply

Let me deal with those two issues. First, one thing that I said in my statement was that the declaration on the occupation means we will now look at all arms licences to see whether they materially contribute to the occupation; if they do, they will not be allowed. Secondly, part of the point of a sanctions regime is proper enforcement, and we will do that.

Andy McDonald Lab

Middlesbrough

Question

My father served in Gaza from 1945 to 1947, and the position was the same then: this country had failed to discharge its responsibilities to the people of Palestine. But I commend the Foreign Secretary for his statement and the courage and clarity of both him and the Prime Minister in making it. It is broadly welcomed, and massively welcomed by the Palestinian people and those who stand up for them. May I ask him to move with all pace on the regulations that he will introduce? Since the Government now acknowledge that the occupation is illegal, surely the already granted licences for arms used in the occupation should be suspended.

Minister reply

I can assure my hon. Friend on his last point: all licences that materially contribute to the occupation will not be allowed. That is why we now have a double lock in relation not only to Gaza but to the occupation. On the speed of action, we want to move as speedily as we can with these measures.

Ayoub Khan Lab

Question

I was elected to the House not just because people saw injustice or hypocrisy from the previous Labour leadership but because this topic became a litmus test of credibility, integrity and morality for the British people, who could see what was taking place in Gaza and in the west bank. I saw the attacks on the Foreign Secretary, who was referred to as a “Jew hater” when he came out with this proposal, and the disgusting comments by the American ambassador, labelling him often as antisemitic for talking about justice and the rights of Palestinians. Will he work with colleagues on this side of the House so that we can forge stronger relationships between British Muslims and British Jews, preventing those actors and agitators—even in this House—who want to sow division in our communities?

Minister reply

I undertake to work with Members across the House on these questions; more unites us than divides us on them, and we do need to act. I say to the hon. Member and others in the House that part of acting is upholding Israel’s right to exist and its security, which includes opposing BDS, because part of being faithful to a two-state solution is upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and the Israeli people.

Sonia Kumar Lab

Question

I welcome the statement condemning the E1 settlement project in the west bank and the sanctions. With that in mind, we must think of the Palestinians who are directly impacted and prevented from accessing basic health care; ambulances are being stopped from taking acutely unwell patients to hospital and 20,000 children have died. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking with international partners to ensure that the aggressive Israeli settlements do not prevent Palestinians from accessing healthcare?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is right: this is a heartbreaking emergency both in the west bank and in Gaza. Part of the advocacy and the work we now want to do, including at UNGA, is about moving forward on those questions and making a difference both in Gaza and in the west bank.

Adnan Hussain Lab

Question

I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement and the general shift in mood in the House. However, given that Israel as a whole—not just the illegal settlements—is on trial for genocide, should the Government not be taking all measures in their power to prevent complicity in genocide, including an immediate and comprehensive suspension of all arms transfers to Israel, an end to the sharing of all military intelligence, an end to all trade that materially supports the Israeli state or its war efforts, a reassessment of diplomatic ties and full compliance with the UK’s obligations under international law, including those as a state signatory to the genocide convention?

Minister reply

I will not answer every point that the hon. Member made. We have announced a comprehensive set of measures today. I say to him—I want to be careful in what I say—that it is very important that, as I said in my statement, our action against the occupied territories cannot be about the erasure of Israel. It is important that all of us in the House respect the role of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people and protect its security as part of our commitment to a two-state solution.

David Burton-Sampson Lab

Question

I, too, welcome these measures. We must see the Palestinian people protected and clear progress towards a two-state solution. I am proud of the Government’s stance. However, I must speak on behalf of my Jewish constituents, who have continually talked to me about the rise in antisemitism. Will the Foreign Secretary assure me that the Government will continue to work towards greater community cohesion in this country and ensure that all British Jews and all British Muslims are protected?

Minister reply

Absolutely; this must be a campaign for us all. It is about government, but truthfully it is also about us as a society—in fact, it is even more about us as a society, because the Government can do their bit, but it is about what each of us as individuals do to counter antisemitism.

Lorraine Beavers Lab

Question

I thank the Foreign Secretary for his action today, demonstrating British leadership on a global stage; I hope he agrees that it is long overdue. Settlement expansion is a project driven by the Israeli state. Will he consider further action such as suspending the UK-Israel trade agreement?

Minister reply

We believe that trade with green-line Israel is important. We value it and we do not believe that it should be ended. It is so important in this House that we make the distinction between the occupied territories and green-line Israel.

Mohammad Yasin Lab

Bedford

Question

I have been privileged to support Bedford Friends of Al-Walaja and to meet children who, despite the horror they have endured, are full of hopes and dreams for the future. Their village’s only school is now under threat of demolition by the Israeli authorities. I welcome the Government’s action to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements. What intervention can the Foreign Secretary make to protect Al-Walaja co-educational school in the west bank and uphold those children’s rights to education under international law?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend raises a really important issue, and I or the Minister for the Middle East will take that up.

John Grady Lab

Question

I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s emphasis on international law, which is important in Gaza and the west bank, but also elsewhere. In Sudan, people who have committed atrocities involving babies and children at El Fasher’s hospital must also be held to account. Will my right hon. Friend reaffirm our Government’s absolute commitment to the independence and proper resourcing of the international court?

Minister reply

Yes, absolutely. My hon. Friend is completely right.

Chris Kane

Question

The Foreign Secretary’s words and actions are strong, welcome and overdue. Does he agree that it is incumbent on all of us in this House and across the country to be guided in our actions by the need to achieve a two-state solution for peace?

Minister reply

I 100% agree with my hon. Friend.

Lizzi Collinge

Question

I welcome the ban on trade with illegal settlements and the Foreign Secretary’s comments on the safety of British Jews. Will he urge the Israeli Government to pull back from their expansionist actions and work towards a safe and secure Israel alongside a free, democratic Palestine?

Minister reply

I totally share what my hon. Friend said about this or a future Israeli Government. We want them to draw back; we want them to change course.

Patricia Ferguson

Question

I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement and the recognition of the state of Palestine. However, the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank threatens the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that anyone who believes in peace must oppose illegal settlement expansion?

Minister reply

I absolutely concur with my hon. Friend. She speaks very eloquently about this.

Colum Eastwood

Question

May I commend the Foreign Secretary for his statement and urge him to continue his efforts to bring peace to the people of Palestine and Israel?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is just the beginning of what we must do in this endeavour, and there is so much more to do.

Jayne Kirkham

Question

My constituent Jim Henderson was killed in the World Central Kitchen attack. The Israeli authorities said there would be no further investigation. What more can we do to ensure accountability?

Minister reply

I send my deepest condolences to the family of my hon. Friend’s constituent. Those were people trying to make a difference in a humanitarian way to the people of Gaza. I will endeavour to talk to her, along with the Minister for the Middle East, about whether we can do more on that issue and what that might be.

Cat Eccles

Question

I welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement and the moral courage the Government are showing. Will he say more about how he is acting alongside international colleagues to demonstrate co-ordinated opposition to illegal settlements and human rights atrocities?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend makes an important point. It is the coalition of countries that we have, as well as our actions, that gives us hope that we can actually make a difference on this issue, both substantively in relation to sanctions and on all of the humanitarian issues that so many Members have raised.

Josh Fenton-Glynn

Question

Violence and intimidation carried out by settler extremists and the expansion of settlements mean that there cannot be a two-state solution. Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that he is making representations at the highest level to say that collusion with extremist settlers must stop?

Minister reply

Absolutely. I say this with some sorrow: it has been obvious that there has been collusion for a long time and the collusion has been allowed to continue. That is the view of former Israeli Prime Ministers and, frankly, former Israeli generals who have spoken out on the issue. I continue to urge the Government of Israel to deal with that.

Andrew Pakes

Question

It is 29 years since I first visited Israel and the West Bank, and I have been a supporter of peace ever since. I welcome the statement and the support from my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North. What more can we do to support international justice?

Minister reply

I, too, pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North. I say more widely that my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough is right: we need to work with our international partners—at this time of all times—to uphold international law in Gaza, in the West Bank and elsewhere.

John Slinger

Question

I am a strong supporter of the right of the state of Israel to exist in security and prosperity and of the state of Palestine to exist in security and prosperity. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the measures outlined should take place at pace?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I say to Members of the House that while I am critical of the current Israeli Government, this occupation has become entrenched over a long period. We have to work to unwind it and find ways in which we can get back to a two-state solution, and we have to act urgently.

Alex McIntyre

Question

I thank the Foreign Secretary for his moral leadership today. Does he agree that this shows that the Government are not just going to show warm words in the light of these atrocities, and that they are going to take action to uphold the values that we hold dear?

Minister reply

My hon. friend raises a really important point, which is that this issue has mobilised ordinary British people right across our country. The immorality of what is happening has stirred the conscience of millions of people across our country, and it is right that we act.

Josh Newbury

Question

Palestinians in the West Bank have reported blockades and searchlights being shone into their homes. Given the importance of the E1 zone for a two-state solution, does the Foreign Secretary agree that the international community should do whatever it can to prevent settler occupation and that settlements should be dismantled as part of the peaceful future that we all want to see?

Minister reply

Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely right about this. E1 crossed a long-standing red line for the international community, which is why we saw such an outpouring from our allies. He is absolutely right about the urgency of acting.

Joe Morris

Question

I want to ask about international collaboration and how the allegations of war crimes can be addressed and compiled so that those responsible can eventually be brought to justice. Can the Foreign Secretary illuminate me on the plans to ensure that the allegations of the alleged crimes are properly compiled?

Minister reply

This is something that we work on with the courts, and the most important thing is upholding the role of both the ICC and the ICJ in these processes. They are incredibly important institutions, in the view of the British Government.

Douglas McAllister

Question

During the debate in this House, I raised concerns about charities working in the illegal Israeli settlements and the use of taxpayers’ money through gift aid contributions to those charities. What more will the Foreign Secretary do to ensure that gift aid is not given to organisations linked to Israeli settlements?

Minister reply

I will undertake to look at that issue. We are very clear that we do not want to see illegal settlement expansion, so I promise to look at this. I want to take this opportunity to thank all Members of this House for their questions, and I reiterate my undertaking to work with Members across Parliament as we take forward these issues.

Commons Sense

Lead MP

Debate Type

Tags

At a Glance

How the Debate Unfolded

Government Statement

Contributors (82)

Shadow Comment

About House of Commons Debates

Related