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Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Lead MP
Ed Miliband
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyCommunity SecurityBenefits & WelfareReligion & 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 regarding the UK's stance on Israel and Palestine, emphasising the support for the state of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people while also addressing the need for the two-state solution. He highlighted the growing threat posed by Iran and announced sanctions against Al-Qard Al-Hassan, Hezbollah's financing arm. Miliband also discussed the rise in antisemitism in the UK and announced an additional investment of £250 million for community security. He addressed the illegal Israeli settlements, declaring them unlawful and announcing plans to introduce an import ban on goods from illegal settlements and a sanctions regime targeting specific companies and individuals who support settlement expansion. Miliband further condemned the actions of the Israeli Government in Gaza, stating that serious and intentional violations of international humanitarian law could amount to war crimes. He outlined the UK’s policy measures to support a two-state solution and called for global action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Question
The MP questioned the coherence of the policy, asking for confirmation that the advice from the Department on the practicality of sanctions has changed to target specific individuals and companies rather than the area as previously stated. He also inquired about the impact on domestic security and community cohesion, the security partnerships with Israel and the US, and the instructions given to enforcement bodies to ensure the supply of essential medications.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the MP and committed to providing further details on the practicality of sanctions, the coordination with international partners, and the measures taken to ensure the supply of essential medications to patients in need.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Question
Tugendhat questioned the coherence of the sanctions policy, the impact on domestic security, the relationship with Israel and the United States, and the potential harm to innocent Palestinians and Israelis. He also asked about the protection of medical supplies and the accreditation of diplomats to the Palestinian embassy in the event of a Hamas victory in November.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband responded that the policy is coherent and based on the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. He assured that the sanctions would not impact Green Line Israel and would protect essential supplies. Miliband emphasised the Government's commitment to protecting Jews across Britain and the world, and stated that Britain has influence and reach in addressing injustice.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
Thornberry congratulated the Foreign Secretary for taking a strong stance against illegal settlements and asked if officials could meet to discuss the speedy implementation of the sanctions.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband thanked Thornberry and expressed willingness to meet her and her Committee to discuss the speedy implementation of the sanctions.
Calum Miller
Lib Dem
Question
The MP thanked the Foreign Secretary for the statement and expressed strong support for the measures while noting their long overdue nature. He questioned the Government's provision of resources to the ICJ and requested the publication of the Government's assessment of the duties arising from the ICJ's opinion on the occupation's unlawfulness. He also inquired about enforcement measures and the ban on arms exports, including F-35 parts, and requested clarification on extending the global human rights regime. He urged the Foreign Secretary to ensure free, fair, and open elections in Palestine and Israel, and to work on the disarmament of Hamas and the implementation of the 20-point plan.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary thanked the hon. Gentleman for his support and addressed his questions. He affirmed the UK's support for the ICJ's work and its ruling on the occupation's unlawfulness. He clarified that the UK stopped providing direct parts to Israel’s F-35 programme in October 2024 but continues to supply indirectly to the global supply chain. He stated that they would continue to review their responsibilities, including the F-35 programme. He explained that extending the global human rights regime would provide a faster tool to act against breaches of international humanitarian law. He agreed with the hon. Gentleman's points regarding the support for reform of the Palestinian Authority, disarmament of Hamas, and the implementation of the 20-point plan.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham, Hodge Hill
Question
The MP welcomed the statement and noted that it was not enough to recognise the state of Palestine and stand idly by illegal settlers. He questioned whether the Foreign Secretary is taking on new legal powers to implement the full ban on goods, services, and investment proposed in the statement.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary confirmed that there will be a new sanctions regime under the SAMLA regime to cover settlements in the occupied territories, giving powers to take action on goods and services. He stated that while trade with the settlements is relatively small, the action on services is necessary to make a real difference to settlement expansion.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
The MP praised the Jewish people and faith and expressed concern over the violent and egregious actions in the West Bank, calling them worse than stopping the two-state solution. He questioned whether the Israeli Government could differentiate between general trade and trade to illegal settlements and whether it should affect the UK's intelligence relationship with Israel. He fully supported what the Foreign Secretary was doing today, emphasising the need for standing up for freedom, morality, and justice.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary thanked the Father of the House for his words and noted that the actions of the Israeli Government over the past few years have not made Israel more secure but less secure. He argued that there can be no security for the people of Israel without a two-state solution and that these actions should trouble all friends of Israel across the country and the world.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Question
Welcomed the statement's acceptance of the ICJ advisory recommendation regarding Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine, and asked if the Foreign Secretary is moving a motion at the UN Security Council to protect Palestinian rights and support the Palestinian Authority.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the MP's role in advocacy and said the UK will seek to address these issues through events at the United Nations, emphasising the urgency of the situation in Gaza.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Asked if the Foreign Secretary believes his action will affect the policy of the Netanyahu Government and if he has had any contact with the Israeli Opposition.
Minister reply
Stated that the UK talks with all partners in Israel and that the policy of the British Government is clear, emphasising that the UK's quarrel is with the Netanyahu Government's policies.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Question
Praised the Foreign Secretary for taking a strong stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and asked if the UK will continue to show leadership to ensure a two-state solution.
Minister reply
Agreed with the MP's sentiment and highlighted the importance of recognising people who have campaigned and helped in Gaza.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Question
Expressed concerns from Jewish constituents about the statement's content, tone, and timing before the Israeli election, and asked how the Foreign Secretary would address these concerns.
Minister reply
Stated that the UK distinguishes between the Israeli people and the Israeli Government, and that the situation is too urgent to wait for an election outcome.
Question
Asked for assurances on imports, particularly agricultural products like etrogim, to protect the religious freedom of British Jews during the Jewish high holy days.
Minister reply
Replied that there will be suitable religious exemptions from the import ban and that it takes time to implement the ban properly to avoid unintended consequences.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Expressed her support for the statement and asked how the Foreign Secretary intends to work with Members to ensure that the UK and the United Nations stand tall in applying international law.
Minister reply
Agreed to work together across parties to address the issues and make a difference at the UN General Assembly.
Question
Asked if the Government would consider looking at universal jurisdiction to ensure British citizens supporting illegal occupation face full legal consequences.
Minister reply
Said that the UK has sent a clear message about those involved in settlement activity and will look at the point raised.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Asked about the risks of the Foreign Secretary's actions affecting the Israeli elections and strengthening the view that Israel can be destroyed.
Minister reply
Rejected the premise of the question, stating that the UK understands the difference between green-line Israel and the occupied territories, and acted based on the conclusion that the settlements and occupation are illegal.
Question
Thanked the Foreign Secretary for the UK's global leadership in calling the atrocities in the West Bank terrorism and ethnic cleansing and asked for continued support for Gaza, including medical aid.
Minister reply
Acknowledged conversations and offered to work with Members in the run-up to the UN General Assembly to try to make a difference in Gaza.
Question
May I congratulate the Foreign Secretary on his words? They were overdue, but they are welcome. More than 1.4 million people in Gaza are acutely food-insecure, yet the flow of essential goods faces significant restrictions, and Gaza is systematically denied the essential items it needs for long-term sustainability. People can buy an egg, but not a fertilised egg. They can bring in a potato, but not a potato tuber. What assessment have the Government made of whether the current interpretation of dual-use restrictions in Gaza is compatible with Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady raises such an important point. My hon. Friend the Minister for the Middle East was at the Al-Arish checkpoint, where he saw supposedly dual-use goods being blocked from going in. My answer is that the way that dual-use goods are being blocked is appalling. One’s only conclusion is that it is a strategy. It is deeply disturbing. I call on the Government of Israel to stop blocking the many entirely innocent dual-use goods that could make a difference to the people of Gaza.
Question
I thank the Foreign Secretary for lifting the mood of the whole House. We are no longer bystanders wringing our hands; we are doing something active, and I thank him for that. I met Dr Nick Maynard this week. He is a surgeon in Gaza, and it is clear that the health professions have been deliberately targeted, with more than 2,000 killed. There is even a new word for it: healthicide. Will the Foreign Secretary meet me and some doctors to discuss how we can prevent this happening?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises an important point, which is that the number of aid workers and health workers killed in Gaza is appalling and dreadful. My hon. Friend the Minister for the Middle East and I are happy to meet him and others—particularly in the run up to UNGA, but also beyond—because we need to try to make a difference.
Question
I, too, applaud the Foreign Secretary for finally taking some assertive, confident steps to deter Israeli ambitions in the west bank, but I am perplexed as to why he is waiting nine months. The diggers may well have started in E1 by then. So, first, can he just explain in a little more detail why he is waiting so long? He has got a majority; let us get on with it. Secondly, has the Foreign Secretary made it clear to the Israeli Government that if this deterrent does not work, he is willing to take further steps and this is not the end of the story? Finally, as part of the accountability that he has talked about, can we please have a UK-led investigation into the murder of our own citizens who worked for the World Central Kitchen? The Israeli Government have declined to conduct a criminal investigation, and officers of the IDF who were involved in that operation have been out in the media boasting that they would do it again.
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman has an honourable record on this issue. I will quickly clip through his questions, knowing the constraints on time, Madam Speaker. I agree with him on the World Central Kitchen. It is appalling that the investigation has been closed down. When one hears what happened in that incident, it makes one’s blood run cold, frankly. In the end, it amounted to a cold-blooded killing, in my view.
Question
The Foreign Secretary and the new Prime Minister have shown leadership and moral courage by introducing these sanctions. I strongly welcome the Foreign Secretary’s support for the International Criminal Court’s case on genocide in Gaza. What discussions will he have with allies to encourage more countries to support the ICJ’s judicial process to bring about justice for Palestine?
Minister reply
We are strong supporters of the ICJ and the work it does on this question and a whole range of others. To bring together his question and the question from the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael), it is very important that we uphold the work of these courts.
Question
We genuinely welcome this statement. The Foreign Secretary has hinted at this, but let me be clear: it is somewhere between heartbreaking and criminal that it has taken three years and 70,000 Palestinian deaths for the UK Government to finally arrive at this position. Already, however, we are hearing that elements within the FCDO are briefing that these sanctions are largely symbolic. Will the Foreign Secretary utterly refute that? Will he confirm that these sanctions are not fixed and that there can and will be further action, should Israel press ahead with this illegal expansion programme?
Minister reply
I gently say to the hon. Gentleman that under the previous Prime Minister this Government recognised the state of Palestine. That was a major thing that we did. I praise my predecessors for that, and we also took action on arms licences. I do not completely accept the picture he gives. I do agree though, and the Prime Minister has said this, that we need to do more. That is what we have done today. I think the sanctions regime will make a substantive difference, and that is absolutely our intention. He is right that once we bring in the sanctions regime, we will, as always, keep its scope under review.
Question
In July I led a debate on settlement expansion. I argued for international law to be respected and for the status quo to end. For far too long, we were told that a trade ban was too difficult—even impossible. For far too long, Palestinian lives have not carried the same weight as Israeli lives in British foreign policy. Palestinians deserve to have the exact same freedoms as Israelis. They deserve to live free from checkpoints, free from settler violence, free from occupation, and free from oppression. I thank the Foreign Secretary for his words, his action and, more importantly, the change of direction, and for showing that Britain can lead with a clear moral compass once again. Today is one of those rare moments when foreign policy can genuinely make a difference. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that international law can and must mean something once again? Will he confirm that the ICC arrest warrants still stand and that Britain will respect that policy?
Minister reply
I praise my hon. Friend for her work on this issue and for leading that debate. She is right that we are big supporters of the work of the ICC. More widely, she makes such an important point about upholding international law. It undermines our reputation globally when we fail to uphold international law. If we want to build strong alliances, we need to be consistent in our approach.
Question
Can I welcome the moral, legal and ethical thread running through the Foreign Secretary’s statement that the life of a Palestinian child is as precious as the life of an Israeli child? He is right to talk about consensus on the two-state solution. Where there is not consensus is on the timing of recognition of a Palestinian state. He will know that eight Members on the Opposition Benches joined the Saudis, the French and the British Government in recognising a Palestinian state last September. I am glad there is also consensus, including from our Front Bench today, that we want to protect the viability of a future two-state solution. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that it is action that is now required to reconcile those two positions, so that we have a viable state in the future?
Minister reply
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question and for the conversation we had on this issue the other night when we ran into each other, which I found incredibly useful and important. He is absolutely right. We cannot stand by; we have to act. This is partly about our psychology as a country. We are not powerless—particularly when we work with others.
Question
I stood in a farm in the west bank and saw all the olive trees burnt and all the families in the village turfed out at knifepoint, so I really welcome this statement and the step-up of action on the settlements. I welcome the action on the sanctions, on arms sales and on justice. Will the Foreign Secretary elaborate a bit more on the crucial demand that Israel releases the revenues—the tax paid by Palestinian people to Israel—that are being withheld and cannot be spent on schools, hospitals and rebuilding? Can he say a bit more about what he will be doing on that?
Minister reply
Absolutely. These are issues that we raise with our Israeli counterparts. There are so many crises in Palestine, but this is a terrible crisis, which perhaps does not get the attention it deserves. The withholding of money, in its own way, is threatening the viability of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian state. Yes, they need to keep reforming, but Israel needs to release the funds.
Question
I warmly welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement today. When I visited the west bank in 2022 with my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford West and Abingdon (Layla Moran), we met Palestinians whose homes and schools had been demolished to make way for settlements. It was utterly heartbreaking. The measures announced today are very welcome, albeit overdue. Will he tell the House what specific action he plans to take on British companies such as JCB, which facilitate that destruction?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady raises an important issue. I think she will know that as we design a sanctions regime, we do not comment on individual companies in advance, but I think my statement was very clear: we do not want to see the construction, financing and so on of settlement expansion. That is the way we will think about our sanctions regime.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Question
Welcoming the statement, Ellie Chowns asked whether waiting six to nine months to implement sanctions is too long given the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband thanked the MP for her kind words and said that the government aims to implement the sanctions as quickly as possible. He also noted that the extension of the global human rights regime to international humanitarian law violations would enable more swift action.
Question
James Asser inquired about measures to provide protection and medical aid for tens of thousands of unaccompanied children in Gaza facing a healthcare crisis.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband thanked the MP for his question and confirmed that the government aims to do as much as possible to provide aid and protection for these children, working with other countries to move things forward and make a difference.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Question
Jeremy Corbyn urged Israel to withdraw from Gaza and disarm Hamas, and asked about military sanctions including the sharing of surveillance information and the use of RAF Akrotiri and Elbit Systems factories.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband agreed that Israel should withdraw from Gaza and Hamas should disarm. He stated that while the UK is not helping with the occupation, it has important security relationships with Israel.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab
Birmingham, Edgbaston
Question
Preet Kaur Gill asked about steps to ensure that measures against extremist settler violence do not contribute to further antisemitism or undermine the security and confidence of Jewish communities.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband reassured the MP that the government has made a difference to the security of Jewish people across Britain and re-emphasised that no British Jew should be held responsible for the actions of the Israeli Government.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Christine Jardine welcomed the Foreign Secretary's remarks and asked about steps to allow UK banks and corporate institutions to audit their customer base to ensure supply chains are dealt with properly.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband stated that the government will look at all issues as part of the sanctions regime to protect trade with green-line Israel and financial services within it.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South East
Question
Yasmin Qureshi expressed pride in the Foreign Secretary's action and asked if the government would retreat from these sanctions under any pressure.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband confirmed that the government would not retreat from these sanctions, stating that decisions are based on national interest and values.
Question
Richard Tice argued that sanctions are a grave mistake, potentially emboldening antisemitism and endangering UK-US relations and security.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband dismissed the argument as irresponsible and clarified that the government does not want British companies involved in financing, construction, or infrastructure of settlement expansion.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Debbie Abrahams thanked the Foreign Secretary for his statement and asked for details of the next steps around the SAMLA statutory instrument.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband confirmed that the process of making the statutory instrument happen will proceed. He also highlighted the importance of addressing antisemitism in everyday experiences of British Jews.
Andrew George
Lib Dem
St Ives
Question
Andrew George welcomed the Foreign Secretary's remarks and asked about sanctions on British banks and citizens complicit in activities in the West Bank.
Minister reply
Ed Miliband stated that the government will impose sanctions on specific companies or entities involved in financing, construction, or infrastructure of settlement expansion, without naming them in advance.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Kilburn
Question
While acknowledging the Foreign Secretary's statement, the MP raised concerns about the education access of displaced Palestinian children and the safety of British Jewish children. She also expressed that the Foreign Secretary's mother would be proud of him.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the importance of the issue of education and safety for Jewish children, and committed to taking forward both issues.
Question
The MP criticised the UK's stance on Israel as an apartheid state and questioned the government's refusal to impose full sanctions and cease arms sales to Israel.
Minister reply
The minister strongly rejected the MP's statement, asserting that the government has taken action on goods and services, banned arms licences for the IDF in Gaza, and declared the occupation unlawful.
Stella Creasy
Lab
Walthamstow
Question
The MP thanked the Foreign Secretary for his commitment to a two-state solution and asked for reassurance that the UK would not bend to pressure and would only consider reversing the ban if there was a halt on the E1 development and a permanent end to settler violence.
Minister reply
The minister responded that the UK will act in its national interest based on its values and would not acquiesce to pressure.
Question
The MP inquired if the ban on trade with illegal settlements would affect the supply chains for life-saving drugs made in Israel, primarily in the Tel Aviv area.
Minister reply
The minister assured that the supply chains for medications from Israel would not be affected by the ban.
Question
The MP praised the Foreign Secretary for his actions and asked if he would continue to resist threats and intimidation, maintaining his moral courage.
Minister reply
The minister thanked the MP and emphasised the importance of standing up for the Palestinian people and the need to be sceptical of access denials.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
The MP questioned the motives behind the ban and suggested it would lead to economic retaliation and harm Palestinians.
Minister reply
The minister rejected the MP's claims and challenged him to meet the Palestinian ambassador to hear their perspective.
Alex Sobel
Lab
Leeds North West
Question
The MP asked if the UK would look at a visa-lite or visa-free regime for Gazan students wishing to study in UK universities.
Minister reply
The minister committed to considering measures to facilitate visas for Gazan students and emphasised the importance of not defending economic relationships with occupied territories.
Question
The MP inquired about sanctions against Israeli Ministers who encourage and endorse violence against Palestinians.
Minister reply
The minister stated that sanctions have already been imposed on two Israeli Ministers and that the sanctions regime is under review.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
The MP asked about the Foreign Secretary's discussions with other countries implementing similar sanctions and questioned why the UK is taking longer to implement sanctions.
Minister reply
The minister said he would ask his Dutch colleague if they can do it more quickly.
Question
The MP quoted an author and asked about holding war criminals accountable.
Minister reply
The minister responded that he believes in accountability for war crimes through international courts.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
The MP urged the Foreign Secretary to continue resisting pressure to exempt Israel from international law and to demand full implementation of the ICJ ruling.
Minister reply
The minister committed to being guided by international law and accountability.
Question
The MP asked the Foreign Secretary to respond to a petition from schoolchildren in his constituency advocating for Palestinian children's right to education.
Minister reply
The minister expressed the UK's commitment to helping Palestinian children and highlighted the importance of achieving a two-state solution.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Question
The MP questioned the Government about the UK’s legal position regarding the UK-Israel military co-operation agreement, given intelligence and security operations over Gaza and Lebanon that provided visuals and intelligence to the Israeli military before massive air strikes.
Minister reply
The minister stated that the Government does 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, and the nature of the UK’s intelligence and security co-operation with Israel does not involve such actions.
Question
The MP asked why the Government had taken so long to act on the ICJ advisory opinion and whether they would now fully comply with their obligations under the opinion and review British policy of non-compliance with international law in Israel.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged that the Government should have acted earlier but emphasised that the new Labour Government has recognised the gravity of the situation and will ensure compliance with international law and the ICJ’s conclusions.
Question
The MP expressed gratitude for the statement and asked if it sends an important message to the people of Jayyous in the West Bank, who are living under constant intimidation and fear.
Minister reply
The minister agreed that the statement is an expression of solidarity with people facing settler terrorism and attempts at ethnic cleansing, and thanked the MP for her work on these issues.
Question
The MP welcomed the sanctions and asked how the Government can guarantee their effectiveness, particularly in relation to arms licences and the export of military hardware.
Minister reply
The minister explained that the Government will now look at all arms licences to see whether they materially contribute to the occupation and will ensure proper enforcement of the sanctions regime.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough
Question
The MP commended the Foreign Secretary for his statement and asked for a swift move on the regulations that will introduce the sanctions, and whether already granted licences for arms used in the occupation should be suspended.
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.
Question
The MP expressed support for the Foreign Secretary’s statement and asked him to work with colleagues on both sides of the House to forge stronger relationships between British Muslims and British Jews.
Minister reply
The minister undertook to work with Members across the House and emphasised the importance of respecting Israel’s right to exist and its security while upholding the rights of the Palestinian people.
Question
The MP welcomed the statement condemning the E1 settlement project and asked about steps to ensure that Palestinians are not prevented from accessing basic health care.
Minister reply
The minister agreed that this is a heartbreaking emergency and stated that part of the advocacy and work will be about moving forward on those questions and making a difference both in Gaza and in the West Bank.
Question
The MP asked if the Government should take all measures to prevent complicity in genocide, including an immediate and comprehensive suspension of all arms transfers to Israel and an end to trade that materially supports the Israeli state.
Minister reply
The minister stated that the Government has announced a comprehensive set of measures and emphasised that the action against the occupied territories cannot be about the erasure of Israel.
Question
The MP welcomed the Government’s stance and asked for assurances that the Government will continue to work towards greater community cohesion and protect all British Jews and Muslims.
Minister reply
The minister agreed and stated that it is about government as well as individuals to counter antisemitism.
Question
The MP thanked the Foreign Secretary for the Government’s 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 the distinction between the occupied territories and green-line Israel must be made.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
The MP expressed support for Bedford Friends of Al-Walaja and asked about intervention to protect Al-Walaja co-educational school in the West Bank and uphold children’s rights to education.
Minister reply
The minister agreed that the issue is important and stated that the Minister for the Middle East will take it up.
Question
The MP welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s emphasis on international law and asked for a reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to the independence and proper resourcing of the international court.
Minister reply
The minister agreed and stated that the Government’s commitment to the independence and proper resourcing of the international court is absolute.
Question
The Foreign Secretary’s words and actions are strong, welcome and—my constituents would want me to say—overdue. Does he agree that it is incumbent on all of us to always be guided 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 Israeli and Palestinian citizens?
Minister reply
I 100% agree with my hon. Friend.
Question
I am glad to see the ban on trade with illegal settlements and welcome 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 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.
Question
I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement and the recognition of Palestine. However, the expansion of illegal settlements in the west bank threatens the possibility of a single unified Palestinian state. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that anyone who believes in a just and lasting peace must also oppose illegal settlement expansion and the violence that comes with it?
Minister reply
I absolutely concur with my hon. Friend. She speaks very eloquently about this.
Question
I commend the Foreign Secretary for his speech on Palestine, which I think is the most powerful and important in many years. Will he continue to travel in hope, hold together the coalition he has built, and do everything possible 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.
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. What happened was a horrifying event. 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.
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. Will he say 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.
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. Will my right hon. Friend 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. I continue to urge the Government of Israel to deal with that.
Question
I welcome the statement and the fact that he is joined on the Front Bench by my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North, 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. I say more widely that my hon. Friend 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.
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 measures he has outlined 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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
Question
During the debate in this House on 9 July, 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, 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.
Shadow Comment
Thomas Tugendhat
Shadow Comment
The Conservative shadow foreign secretary, Thomas Tugendhat, agreed with the Foreign Secretary on the wrongfulness of illegal settlements and the need for a two-state solution but criticised the Government's policy as incoherent and potentially harmful to innocent Palestinians and Israelis. He raised concerns about the impact of sanctions on domestic security and community cohesion, as well as the potential impact on security partnerships with Israel and the United States. Tugendhat questioned the practicality of sanctions, the coordination with international partners, and the instructions given to enforcement bodies to ensure continued supply of essential medications. He expressed his party's commitment to rejecting antisemitism and supporting the right of Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and dignity.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.