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Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Lead MP
Ed Miliband
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Community SecurityBusiness & TradeReligion & Faith
Other Contributors: 82
At a Glance
Ed Miliband raised concerns about israel and palestine 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:
Government Statement
The Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, made a statement on Israel and Palestine. He emphasised his personal connection to Israel as a British Jew and the importance of Israel's right to exist. He condemned Hamas's terrorist acts and announced sanctions on Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah’s financing arm. Miliband highlighted the rise in antisemitism in the UK and announced an additional investment of £250 million for community security. He also expressed deep concern about the increasing number of settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the use of violence against Palestinian communities. The Foreign Secretary declared that the British Government's official view is that the occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful and announced a ban on imports from illegal settlements. He also stated that the UK would refuse arms licenses that materially contribute to the occupation. Miliband urged the Palestinian Authority to accelerate reform and called for an end to the Israeli Government's withholding of revenues from the Palestinian Authority. He condemned the actions taken in Gaza and supported legal processes to determine if war crimes and genocide have occurred. Miliband pledged continued humanitarian support for Gaza and announced further steps to address the ongoing crisis. He emphasised the need for a two-state solution and the importance of Britain standing up for its values.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Question
The MP questioned the coherence of the policy, its impact on domestic security, and its effect on security partnerships with Israel and the United States. He also inquired about the instructions given to enforcement bodies to ensure continued supply of essential medicines and the accreditation of diplomats to the Palestinian embassy if Hamas wins the elections.
Minister reply
The minister emphasised the seriousness of the sanctions regime, stating that it would target specific companies and individuals involved in illegal settlements. He assured that the policy would not harm innocents and would not stretch to include all Israeli and Palestinian businesses. He acknowledged the need for wide support and coordination with partners and allies, but did not elaborate on specific instructions given to enforcement bodies or the Foreign Office regarding the accreditation of diplomats.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Question
The MP questioned the coherence of the sanctions policy and its impact on domestic security, community cohesion, security partnerships, and medical supplies. He also inquired about the accreditation of diplomats to the Palestinian embassy should Hamas win the elections in November.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary rejected the idea of making Israel a pariah state and emphasised the importance of taking action to preserve the two-state solution. He stated that the sanctions regime would take six to nine months to come into place and would be based on the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. The regime would focus on the import ban and would not hit green-line Israel. He also mentioned the importance of community cohesion and the protection of medical supplies.
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 and requested a meeting with Ministers and officials to discuss the speedy implementation of the sanctions.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary thanked the MP for her words and expressed his willingness to work with her and her Committee on the speedy implementation of the sanctions regime.
Calum Miller
Lib Dem
Greenwich and Woolwich
Question
Miller thanked the Foreign Secretary for his statement and expressed strong support for the UK's stance on Israel and Palestine. He criticised the current Israeli Government's actions and welcomed the announcement but noted that it was long overdue. He questioned the enforcement measures, the ban on arms exports, and the extension of the global human rights regime. He also inquired about the Government's support for the ICJ and the disarmament of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority's election timetable.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary thanked Miller for his support and addressed his questions, confirming that the ban on arms exports includes F-35 parts and that the ICJ's work is supported. He emphasised the importance of extending the global human rights regime to address breaches of international law and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the two-state solution and the reform of the Palestinian Authority.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham, Hodge Hill
Question
Byrne welcomed the statement and corrected the shadow Foreign Secretary's representation of correspondence between Ministers and his Committee. He questioned the legal powers required to implement the full ban on goods, services, and investment proposed by the Foreign Secretary.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary confirmed that a new sanctions regime under SAMLA will provide the necessary legal powers for the full ban on goods and services. He emphasised the importance of action on both goods and services, particularly on services to make a real difference to settlement expansion.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Leigh supported the Foreign Secretary's actions, praising the distinction between trade and trade to illegal settlements, and the support for Israel's right to defend itself. He questioned the impact of these measures on intelligence relations and expressed pride in the Foreign Secretary's actions.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary thanked Leigh for his support and noted his eloquent contribution to the debate in July. He emphasised the importance of a two-state solution for the security of Israel and criticised the current Israeli Government's actions for making Israel less secure.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Question
Welcomed the entirety of the statement, particularly the acceptance of the ICJ advisory recommendation that Israel is illegally occupying Palestine, and asked about the Foreign Secretary's plans to support the Palestinian Authority and protect Palestinian rights.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the ICJ recommendation and stated that the UK will seek to address these issues through events at the United Nations, including the conference with Jordan and other upcoming events.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Asked if the action would affect the policy of the Netanyahu Government and whether the Foreign Secretary has had contact with the Israeli Opposition.
Minister reply
Stated that the UK talks with all partners in Israel and that the election is for the Israeli people to decide their future. The UK will assess the actions of any future Israeli Government.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Question
Expressed support for the Foreign Secretary's stance and asked if Britain needs to continue to show leadership to ensure a two-state solution.
Minister reply
Agreed with the need for leadership and thanked those who have campaigned on this issue, highlighting the importance of recognising those who have tried to make a difference in Gaza.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Question
Asked about the impact of the statement on Jewish constituents, who feel the Government no longer regard Israel as a friend.
Minister reply
Distinguished between the Israeli people and the Israeli Government, and stated that the UK cannot outsource its political and moral responsibilities.
Question
Asked for assurances that the implementation of sanctions would not affect religious freedom and the import of religious products.
Minister reply
Confirmed that there will be suitable religious exemptions from the import ban and that proper dialogue with the Jewish community is ongoing.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Thanked the Foreign Secretary for the statement and asked how the Government intends to work with Members across the House to ensure that institutions stand tall.
Minister reply
Undertook to work together on these questions and stated that there is a real opportunity to work across parties.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Question
Asked if the Government would consider looking at universal jurisdiction for British citizens supporting the illegal occupation.
Minister reply
Stated that the UK has sent a clear message about those involved in settlement activity and that he would look at the point raised and write to the MP.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Asked about the impact of the proposal and whether the Government has had discussions with their opposite number in Israel.
Minister reply
Rejected the premise that the proposal is about the destruction of the state of Israel and stated that the path the Israeli Government has embarked upon is undermining Israel's security.
Zubir Ahmed
Lab
Glasgow South West
Question
Thanked the Foreign Secretary for global leadership and asked for continued support for Gaza, including medical aid.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the conversations in the run-up to the statement and offered to work with Members in the run-up to the work at the UN General Assembly.
Question
Congratulated the Foreign Secretary for his words on the Gaza crisis, highlighting the food insecurity and restrictions on essential goods in Gaza, and questioned if the current interpretation of dual-use restrictions complies with international humanitarian law.
Minister reply
Agreed that the blocking of dual-use goods is disturbing and called on the Government of Israel to stop blocking such items, which are necessary for the people of Gaza.
Question
Thanked the Foreign Secretary for active steps and requested a meeting to discuss how to prevent the targeting of health professionals in Gaza.
Minister reply
Agreed to meet the MP and others to discuss the issue, especially ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Question
Commended the Foreign Secretary's steps but questioned the timing of the action on Israeli settlement expansion and sought assurance of further action if needed.
Minister reply
Emphasised the need to get the timing right and stated that once the sanctions regime is in place, it will be reviewed and further action taken if necessary.
Question
Welcomed the Foreign Secretary's support for the International Criminal Court's case on genocide in Gaza and asked about discussions with allies to encourage support for the court.
Minister reply
Confirmed support for the International Criminal Court and acknowledged the importance of upholding the work of these courts.
Question
Welcomed the statement but questioned if the sanctions were symbolic and if there would be further action if needed.
Minister reply
Stated that the sanctions regime will make a substantive difference and will be reviewed for further action if necessary.
Question
Welcomed the Foreign Secretary's stance and questioned if international law can and must mean something once again, and if ICC arrest warrants still stand.
Minister reply
Agreed that upholding international law is crucial for building strong alliances and that the UK supports the work of the ICC.
Question
Welcomed the moral, legal and ethical stance on the two-state solution and questioned the timing of recognition of a Palestinian state.
Minister reply
Agreed that action is now required and that the UK cannot stand by, especially when working with others.
Question
Welcomed the action on settlements and requested elaboration on the release of withheld revenues from Palestinian tax.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issue and confirmed that releasing withheld funds is crucial for the viability of the Palestinian Authority and state.
Question
Welcomed the measures announced and requested action on British companies facilitating settlement destruction.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issue and stated that the sanctions regime will consider the financing and construction of settlement expansion.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds Central
Question
Congratulates the Foreign Secretary on his statement and raises concerns about IDF complicity in settler violence against Palestinians.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the concerns and urges Members to read accounts of the ongoing issues in the west bank.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Acknowledges the UK's attempts to address Israeli policies in the west bank and congratulates the Secretary of State.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the frustration of repeated attempts to address the issue and the resultant announcement.
Question
Calls for the Foreign Secretary to condemn the attacks and smears against him and supports the stance on settler violence.
Minister reply
Agrees that the acts of violence must be called out as settler terrorism.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Welcomes the UK sanctions on trade with illegal settlements but asks for details on enforcement.
Minister reply
Explains that sanctions will be tough and penalties will be clear for breaches.
Question
Welcomes the sanctions and asks if threats from Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir will affect the UK's stance.
Minister reply
Reiterates the UK's position and states that the Falkland Islands will remain British.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Asks about the differentiation of goods from illegal settlements versus those from Israel.
Minister reply
Explains that the responsibility will be on British businesses to identify and sanction goods from settlements.
Question
Supports the sanctions and asks about the relationship with the BDS movement.
Minister reply
Reiterates opposition to the BDS movement and clarifies that sanctions are specific to settlements.
Question
Asks the Foreign Secretary to work to secure the release of Palestinian healthcare workers in Israeli prisons.
Minister reply
Agrees to look into the case and work to secure their release.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Bow
Question
Commends the Foreign Secretary for the statement and raises concerns about the lack of action without sanctions.
Minister reply
Agrees that inaction is abdicating responsibility and that sanctions are necessary to help the two-state solution.
Question
Questions the focus on Israel and Palestine and suggests political risks for the Labour party.
Minister reply
Responds to the tone of the question and reiterates the importance of addressing the issues in Israel and Palestine.
Question
Asks about the impact of the sanctions and whether they will bring peace and harm British interests.
Minister reply
Explains that the sanctions are not anti-Israel but against the unlawful occupation and necessary for moral and principled reasons.
Question
Welcomed the statement and recognised the unlawfulness of the occupation, but questioned the timeline of six to nine months for implementing sanctions, suggesting it is too long given the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.
Minister reply
Thanked the MP for her kind words and acknowledged the need to act quickly. He stated that six to nine months is the timeline but if it can be done faster, it will be. The minister emphasised the importance of getting the sanctions right to make a difference and highlighted the extension of the global human rights regime for quicker action.
Question
Thanked the Foreign Secretary for his statement and the light he has continued to shine on Gaza. He raised concerns about unaccompanied children in Gaza who are in desperate need due to the collapse of the medical system and asked what more can be done to provide protection and medical aid.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the healthcare crisis in Gaza and promised to do as much as possible to address the issue. The minister mentioned a discussion with the Jordanian Foreign Minister about an event at the UN General Assembly to move things forward and make a difference.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Question
Asked the Foreign Secretary to recognise the motivation of campaigners to bring about justice and peace for the people of Palestine and called on Israel to withdraw from Gaza and disarm Hamas. He questioned the sharing of surveillance information by the RAF overflying Gaza and the use of RAF Akrotiri and Israel’s ability to manufacture weapons.
Minister reply
Agreed with the need for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and Hamas to disarm. The minister emphasised the importance of campaigners and the mobilisation of people across the world on this issue. He clarified that Britain is not helping with the occupation, but has important and valued intelligence and security relationships with Israel.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab
Birmingham, Edgbaston
Question
Opposed the E1 settlement plan and welcomed the Government’s action against extremist settler violence. She raised concerns about the elevated threat facing British Jews during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and asked what steps have been taken to ensure the measures do not contribute to further antisemitism or undermine the security and confidence of Jewish communities.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of protecting Jewish communities and emphasised that no British Jew should be held responsible for the actions of the Israeli Government. The minister urged all Members to transmit the message that British Jews are not responsible for Israeli policies.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Welcomed the substance and tone of the Foreign Secretary’s remarks and the commitment to a two-state solution. She asked what steps would be taken to allow UK banks and corporate institutions to audit their own customer base to ensure supply chains are dealt with properly.
Minister reply
Stated that the sanctions regime will be looked at carefully to protect trade with green-line Israel and financial services. He mentioned his late mother's campaigning on these issues and the responsibility of all Members to ensure that there is no confusion about British Jews being responsible for Israeli policies.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South East
Question
Congratulated the Foreign Secretary on his action and clarified that the sanctions target trade from illegal settlements, not Israel or Jewish people. She asked if the Government would retreat from doing this under pressure from Washington or Tel Aviv.
Minister reply
Confirmed that the Government would not retreat from their plans. The minister stated that they would decide what is in their national interest and what is the right thing for Britain based on their values.
Question
Deplored settler violence but argued that the sanctions are a grave mistake, potentially emboldening antisemitism, endangering the relationship with the US and security, and leading to tit-for-tat sanctions.
Minister reply
Clarified that the sanctions are not a grave mistake and that no British Jew is responsible for the policies of the Israeli Government. The minister urged Members to ensure there is no confusion about this issue.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Congratulated the Foreign Secretary on elevating the status of Parliament and the Government by ensuring everyone is seen as equal before the law and in terms of human rights. She asked for details on the next steps around the SAMLA statutory instrument.
Minister reply
Promised to get on with the process of making the statutory instrument happen. The minister also highlighted the everyday experiences of British Jews facing antisemitism and the responsibility of all Members to tackle this issue.
Andrew George
Lib Dem
St Ives
Question
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, including Cornishman Jim Henderson. He asked about sanctions on British banks and citizens who are complicit in what is going on in the West Bank.
Minister reply
Clarified that specific companies or entities targeted by sanctions would not be named in advance. The minister stated the intent to prevent British companies from financing, constructing or being involved in the infrastructure of settlement expansion.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Kilburn
Question
While acknowledging the Foreign Secretary’s statement on the safety of British Jewish children, Siddiq inquired about the plight of displaced Palestinian children and their access to education, highlighting a report showing 40% of displaced children in Palestine lose complete access to schooling.
Minister reply
Miliband thanked the MP for her concern and stated that the government will take forward both the issues of safety for Jewish children in the UK and the education of displaced Palestinian children.
Question
Sultana questioned the UK Government's continued support for Israel, despite its actions being described as genocide. She asked how many more Palestinian deaths would be required before the UK stopped arming Israel completely.
Minister reply
Miliband responded by calling Sultana's statement a travesty and emphasised that the government is taking action on goods and services, including banning arms licences for the IDF in Gaza and declaring the occupation unlawful.
Stella Creasy
Lab
Walthamstow
Question
Creasy thanked the Foreign Secretary for his commitment to a two-state solution and his recognition of the Israeli Government as the primary threat to this solution. She asked for reassurance that the UK would not bend to pressure and would only reverse the ban if there was a halt on the E1 development and a permanent end to settler violence.
Minister reply
Miliband reassured the MP that the UK will act in its national interest and based on its values, and that it will not bend to pressure.
Question
Slade inquired if life-saving drugs made in Israel, particularly around the Tel Aviv area and not in illegal settlements, would be at risk due to the ban and if supply chains for medications would be affected.
Minister reply
Miliband assured that the supply chains for medications would not be affected and that the ban is specifically against trade with illegal settlements.
Question
Yang praised the Foreign Secretary's bold and principled stand, expressing hope that he would continue to withstand threats and intimidation.
Minister reply
Miliband thanked the MP and acknowledged the importance of access to see what is happening on the ground.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Wilson questioned whether the Foreign Secretary's actions were politically motivated, suggesting they would harm UK-Israel relations and the Palestinians.
Minister reply
Miliband rejected Wilson's claims and urged him to meet the Palestinian ambassador to understand the situation.
Alex Sobel
Lab
Leeds North West
Question
Sobel asked if the Foreign Secretary would consider a visa-lite or visa-free regime for Gazan students wishing to study in the UK.
Minister reply
Miliband stated that they would continue to look at what they can do for students from Gaza and emphasised the need to adhere to international law.
Question
Chambers asked if the Foreign Secretary would consider sanctioning Israeli Ministers who encourage violence against Palestinians.
Minister reply
Miliband confirmed that two Israeli Ministers had already been sanctioned and that they would keep their sanctions regime under review.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Betts inquired about the timeline for implementing similar sanctions by the Netherlands and whether the UK could implement them faster.
Minister reply
Miliband stated that the UK would definitely ask the Netherlands if they could implement the sanctions more quickly.
Question
Adam quoted Omar El Akkad and asked what the Foreign Secretary would do to hold war criminals accountable.
Minister reply
Miliband stated that he believed in accountability for war crimes and that international courts would be used for this purpose.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Burgon urged the Foreign Secretary to continue resisting pressure to not apply international law to Israel and to demand full implementation of the ICJ ruling.
Minister reply
Miliband stated that the UK would be guided by international law and would continue to push for accountability.
Question
Van Mierlo asked the Foreign Secretary to respond to a petition from schoolchildren in his constituency who wanted Palestinian children to have the same right to education as they do.
Minister reply
Miliband congratulated the children for their advocacy and stated that the best thing they could do is work towards a two-state solution without the current intimidation, threats, death, and destruction.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Question
The MP inquired about the UK’s existing intelligence and security partnership with Israel, specifically asking if the UK Government were assessing the UK’s legal position regarding the 2020 UK-Israel military co-operation agreement, given that UK spy planes have provided intelligence to the Israeli military before air strikes.
Minister reply
The minister stated that they do not comment on intelligence and security matters but assured the MP that the UK is not involved in the occupation or actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Iqbal Mohamed
Lab
Question
The MP asked why the action had taken so long to implement since the ICJ advisory opinion was issued in July 2024 and ethnic cleansing and genocide have continued, and inquired about a review of British policy non-compliance with international law.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged that they should have acted earlier and stated that the new Prime Minister recognised the gravity of the situation and the need for action. The minister also committed to abiding by the ICJ’s conclusions on the unlawfulness of the occupation.
Question
The MP expressed gratitude for the statement and asked if it 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
The minister thanked the MP for her work and expressed solidarity with those under settler terrorism and attempts at ethnic cleansing.
Caroline Voaden
Lab
Question
The MP welcomed the sanctions but asked how the Government can guarantee that the sanctions will work given that Israeli companies might declare their products honestly and military hardware might be used in the occupied territories.
Minister reply
The minister stated that the UK will now look at all arms licences to see whether they materially contribute to the occupation and that part of the point of a sanctions regime is proper enforcement, which the UK will do.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough
Question
The MP commended the Foreign Secretary for his statement and asked the minister to move with all pace on the regulations and to suspend already granted licences for arms used in the occupation.
Minister reply
The minister assured the MP that all licences that materially contribute to the occupation will not be allowed and that the Government will move as speedily as possible with these measures.
Ayoub Khan
Lab
Question
The MP welcomed the statement and the sanctions and asked the minister to work with colleagues to prevent division in British communities.
Minister reply
The minister undertook to work with Members across the House and stated that part of acting is upholding Israel’s right to exist and its security, which includes opposing BDS.
Sonia Kumar
Lab
Question
The MP welcomed the statement and asked what steps the Government is taking to ensure that Palestinians are not prevented from accessing healthcare.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the heartbreaking emergency and stated that part of the advocacy and work now is about moving forward on those questions and making a difference.
Adnan Hussain
Lab
Question
The MP welcomed the statement but asked the Government to take all measures in their power to prevent complicity in genocide, including an immediate and comprehensive suspension of all arms transfers to Israel.
Minister reply
The minister stated that the UK has announced a comprehensive set of measures and that it is important to respect the role of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people and protect its security.
Question
The MP welcomed the Government’s stance and asked for assurance that the Government will continue to work towards greater community cohesion and protect all British Jews and Muslims.
Minister reply
The minister assured the MP that the Government will continue to work towards greater community cohesion and that it is also important for individuals to counter antisemitism.
Lorraine Beavers
Lab
Question
The MP thanked the Foreign Secretary for his action and asked if he would consider suspending the UK-Israel trade agreement.
Minister reply
The minister stated that trade with green-line Israel is important and that they value it, but it is important to make the distinction between the occupied territories and green-line Israel.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
The MP asked what intervention the Foreign Secretary can make to protect the Al-Walaja co-educational school in the West Bank and uphold children’s rights to education under international law.
Minister reply
The minister or the Minister for the Middle East will take up the issue raised by the MP.
John Grady
Lab
Question
The MP welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s emphasis on international law and asked to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the independence and proper resourcing of the international court.
Minister reply
The minister reaffirmed the Government’s absolute commitment to the independence and proper resourcing of the international court.
Chris Kane
Lab
Bolton West
Question
The Foreign Secretary’s words and actions are strong, welcome and—I know my constituents would want me to say this—overdue. Does he agree that it is incumbent on all of us in this House and, to make my wider point, across the country to always be guided in the actions that we take by the need to do all that we can to achieve a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring a just and lasting peace to the lives of all Israeli and Palestinian citizens?
Minister reply
I 100% agree with my hon. Friend.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Bolton South East
Question
I am glad to see the ban on trade with illegal settlements, for which I and many others have called for a long time. I also welcome the Foreign Secretary’s comments on the safety of British Jews, who are being violently targeted by racists simply for being Jewish. Will he join me in urging the Israeli Government to pull back from their expansionist actions and instead work with us and the international community 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.
Ayr
Question
I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement, which will come as a welcome addition to the debate. I was proud when this Government took the historic decision to recognise the state of Palestine. However, the very prospect of a single unified Palestinian state is, as we have heard, under enormous threat from the expansion of illegal settlements in the west bank. Having visited that area with Members from across the House earlier this year, the sheer scale of the E1 settlement makes it clear that Israel is determined that there should be no possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that anyone—and I mean anyone—who believes in a just and lasting peace in the middle east must also oppose illegal settlement expansion and the violence that so often comes with it?
Minister reply
I absolutely concur with my hon. Friend. She speaks very eloquently about this.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Belfast North
Question
May I commend the Foreign Secretary for making what I think is the most powerful, principled and important speech by any British Minister for many years on the issue of Palestine? The people of Derry understand well that it is in the moments of greatest despair that those who are committed to hope come to the fore. Will he continue to travel in hope, to hold together the coalition he has built and to do everything he possibly can 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
Lab
Harrow East
Question
My constituent, Jim Henderson, was killed in the World Central Kitchen attack on 1 April 2024. Two weeks ago, the Israeli authorities said there would be no further investigation. Our Government and the Canadian and Australian Governments condemn that decision. The commander who ordered the strike said he does not regret it. What more can we do to ensure there is accountability?
Minister reply
I send my deepest condolences to the family of my hon. Friend’s constituent. What happened was a horrifying event. 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
Lab
Bolton South East
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement and the moral courage the Government are showing to sanction trade with the occupied territories and condemn expanding illegal settlements. The Israeli state will not listen to the UK alone, and collaboration with global partners gives the strongest leverage. Will he say some more about how he is acting alongside international colleagues to demonstrate co-ordinated opposition to illegal settlements and human rights atrocities and reinforce international support for the two-state solution?
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.
Bolton South East
Question
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. Violence and intimidation carried out by settler extremists and the expansion of settlements mean that there cannot be a two-state solution. Yet illegal settlements and outposts targeting Palestinian civilians would not happen without the collusion of the Israeli army. Will my right hon. Friend please 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
Lab
Peterborough
Question
It is 29 years this week since I first visited Israel and the west bank, and I have been a supporter of peace ever since. May I start by putting on the record my tribute to all the victims, from all sides, who have suffered during this period, not least those who suffered at the hands of Hamas and the 20,000 children who have perished in Gaza? Although self-defence is important, it is not a green light to ethnic cleansing or to illegal occupation. We need international law, as was set out by the Foreign Secretary. I welcome the statement and the fact that he is joined on the Front Bench by my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North (Sarah Owen), who is a great campaigner on this issue. While international law is threatened by many actors around the world, what more can we do to support not just justice but the institutions of international justice?
Minister reply
I, too, pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North (Sarah Owen). I say more widely that my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Andrew Pakes) 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
Lab
Bolton South East
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 to achieve that, it is essential that the very welcome measures he has outlined take place at pace? We can demonstrate that the state of Israel, under the current Israeli Government, does not get to determine the destiny of the west bank and, for that matter, Gaza.
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
Lab
Gloucester
Question
I thank the Foreign Secretary for his moral leadership today. Since I came into this House, hundreds of Gloucester residents have told me that the Government could and should be doing more in the light of the atrocities in Gaza and the west bank. That is a point I have made in this House and to Ministers directly, and I would like to thank my right hon. Friend for acknowledging those concerns today and for going further. 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. It is really important to understand that. 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
Con
Wycombe
Question
Palestinians in the west bank have told the world of being held at gunpoint, of blockades, and of searchlights and lasers being shone into their homes and at their livestock. Given that the integrity of the E1 zone is essential 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 constructed there 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
Lab
Bolton South East
Question
I congratulate the Foreign Secretary on his statement and the manner in which it was delivered. 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. I am thinking not only of the situation in Gaza and the west bank, but of the actions in southern Lebanon. 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.
Bolton South East
Question
During the debate in this House on 9 July, I and other Members raised our concerns about charities working in the illegal Israeli settlements and, in particular, about the use of taxpayers’ money through gift aid contributions to those charities. As a result, I received a response from the Charity Commission for England and Wales sharing those concerns about the potential impact, including on public trust and confidence in the charity sector, of charities being seen to actively assist in the development or expansion of illegal settlements in Palestine. What more will the Foreign Secretary do, in the light of today’s statement, 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.
Shadow Comment
Thomas Tugendhat
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Minister, Thomas Tugendhat, agreed with the Foreign Secretary on illegal settlements and the need to address the current path leading Israelis and Palestinians towards a darker future. He criticised the Government's policy as unworkable and harmful to innocents, warning of potential sectarian division and a rise in antisemitic violence in the UK. Tugendhat questioned the coherence of the policy, the impact on domestic security, and the risk to security partnerships with Israel and the United States. He also inquired about the impact on pharmaceutical supplies and the accreditation of diplomats to the Palestinian embassy. Tugendhat welcomed the sanctions against Al-Qard Al-Hassan and the condemnation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps but criticised the policy's performative nature and lack of wide support.
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