Israel and Palestine

Thomas Tugendhat Con

Tonbridge and Malling

Question

The MP questions the coherence of the policy, the coordination with partners, the impact on domestic security, the influence on UK security partnerships with Israel and the US, the availability of critical pharmaceuticals, and the accreditation of diplomats to the Palestinian embassy if Hamas wins the elections.

Minister reply

The minister responds to these questions by emphasising the need for action to address the unlawful occupation and the destruction of the two-state solution. He addresses concerns about the impact on innocent people and the importance of co-operation with allies, while also committing to measures to ensure the availability of critical medicines and addressing domestic security concerns.

Thomas Tugendhat Con

Tonbridge and Malling

Question

Asked six questions regarding the coherence of the policy, conversations with partners and allies, impact on domestic security, security partnerships, instructions for enforcement bodies, and accreditation of diplomats to the Palestinian embassy.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary responded that the policy is coherent and will take six to nine months to implement. He emphasised the importance of acting with others and the need to protect Jews across Britain and the world. He assured that medical supplies will be protected and that Britain has influence and reach to act against injustice.

Emily Thornberry Lab

Islington South and Finsbury

Question

Congratulated the Foreign Secretary on taking a strong stance against the illegal building of settlements and called for a meeting to discuss implementing the sanctions as quickly as possible.

Minister reply

The Foreign Secretary thanked the MP and committed to working with her and her Committee on matters including the speedy implementation of the sanctions regime.

Calum Miller Liberal Democrats

Question

The hon. Gentleman strongly associates himself and his party with the Foreign Secretary’s clear statement, supporting the measures announced. However, he questions the robustness and enforcement of the sanctions and the impact on the two-state solution. He also calls for more clarity on arms exports, especially regarding F-35 parts, and urges the Foreign Secretary to work with international partners to ensure the disarmament of Hamas and the disarmament of the Palestinian Authority before elections.

Minister reply

The hon. Gentleman’s points are addressed by the minister, who confirms support for the ICJ and its rulings, including the 2024 opinion that the occupation is unlawful. The minister also clarifies that arms exports, including parts for the F-35 programme, are subject to a double lock and that halting supplies to the global supply chain could down the programme. The minister also commits to working with international partners to support reform of the Palestinian Authority and to ensure the disarmament of Hamas.

Liam Byrne Lab

Birmingham, Hodge Hill

Question

The right hon. Friend welcomes the statement and questions the legal powers that the Foreign Secretary has to implement the full ban on goods, services, and investment as proposed today. He states that this is necessary to give the measures full effect and real teeth.

Minister reply

The minister confirms that a new sanctions regime under the SAMLA regime will give the powers to take action on goods and services. He believes that action on services can make a real difference to settlement expansion and commits to working to ensure this happens.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

Question

The Father of the House supports the statement, considering himself and the Foreign Secretary as deep friends of Israel. He questions the impact on the intelligence relationship and the differentiation between general trade and trade to illegal settlements.

Minister reply

The minister thanks the Father of the House for his support and reiterates that the actions of the Israeli Government over the past few years have not made Israel more secure; they have made it less secure. He emphasises that there can be no security for the people of Israel without a two-state solution.

Sarah Champion Lab

Rotherham

Question

Welcomes the ICJ advisory recommendation that Israel is illegally occupying Palestine, the situation in Gaza, and asks if the Foreign Secretary is considering a UN Security Council motion and supporting the Palestinian Authority.

Minister reply

Acknowledges the MP's advocacy, states that the UK will seek to address the issues through UN events and conferences, and emphasises the urgency of the situation in Gaza.

Julian Lewis Con

New Forest East

Question

Asks if the action will affect the Israeli Government's policy, and if there was contact with the Israeli Opposition before the statement.

Minister reply

Reiterates that the UK talks with all partners in Israel, respects the Israeli people's decision, and states that the UK cannot outsource its responsibilities to the Israeli Opposition.

Naseem Shah Lab

Bradford West

Question

Supports the Foreign Secretary's stance and asks if the UK will continue to show leadership to ensure a two-state solution.

Minister reply

Agrees with the MP's stance, praises her work, and emphasises the importance of recognising those who have campaigned and worked on the issue.

Oliver Dowden Con

Hertsmere

Question

Expresses concerns about the statement's impact on British Jews and the timing before the Israeli election.

Minister reply

Stresses the distinction between the Israeli people and the Israeli Government, and reiterates that the situation is too urgent to wait.

Charlotte Nichols

Question

Asks for assurances on the clarity of imports, particularly agricultural products, to protect the religious freedom of British Jews.

Minister reply

Confirms that there will be suitable religious exemptions from the import ban and that the process will take six to nine months to ensure it is done correctly.

Layla Moran Lib Dem

Oxford West and Abingdon

Question

Thanks the Foreign Secretary for the statement, expresses support, and asks how the Foreign Secretary will work with Members to ensure the institution stands tall.

Minister reply

Agrees to work together on these questions and to collaborate across parties.

Sam Rushworth

Question

Asks if the Government will look at universal jurisdiction for British citizens supporting the illegal occupation.

Minister reply

States that the UK has sent a clear message about those involved in settlement activity and will look into the point raised.

Bob Blackman Con

Harrow East

Question

Expresses concerns about the risks of the Foreign Secretary's proposal and its impact on the UK-Israel relationship.

Minister reply

Rejects the premise that the statement is about the destruction of the state of Israel, and emphasises the importance of understanding the difference between green-line Israel and the occupied territories.

Zubir Ahmed

Question

Thanks the Foreign Secretary for the global leadership, asks for continued support for Gazans, and requests better infrastructure for medical aid.

Minister reply

Offers to work with Members in the run-up to the UN General Assembly and to provide medical aid and infrastructure support.

Monica Harding

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. The way that dual-use goods are being blocked is appalling and amounts to a strategy. 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.

Simon Opher

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. 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.

Kit Malthouse Con

North West Hampshire

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

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. On timing, let me just say to the right hon. Gentleman that I want to do this as quickly as possible. We have to get it right for some of the reasons that have been discussed in this House—whether that is religious exemptions or making sure that we do not hit green-line Israel—but we want to do it as quickly as possible.

Afzal Khan Lab

Manchester, Gorton

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.

Brendan O'Hara SNP

Argyll and Bute

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 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.

Abtisam Mohamed

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

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.

Mark Pritchard Con

The Wrekin

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

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.

Fleur Anderson

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.

Munira Wilson

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. 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.

Paula Barker

Question

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

Minister reply

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

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Question

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

Minister reply

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

Alex Ballinger

Question

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

Minister reply

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

Andrew Murrison Con

South West Wiltshire

Question

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

Minister reply

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

Mark Sewards

Question

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

Minister reply

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

Susan Murray

Question

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

Minister reply

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

Rushanara Ali Lab

Bethnal Green and Bow

Question

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

Minister reply

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

Jack Rankin

Question

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

Minister reply

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

Damien Egan

Question

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

Minister reply

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

Ellie Chowns

Question

Ellie Chowns welcomed the statement and acknowledged the need to recognise the unlawfulness of the occupation. However, she questioned why the implementation of sanctions would take six to nine months, arguing that the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank required immediate action.

Minister reply

Ed Miliband thanked Ellie Chowns for her support and stated that the government aims to implement the sanctions as quickly as possible. He also highlighted that the extension of the global human rights regime to international humanitarian law violations would allow for quicker action.

James Asser

Question

James Asser thanked the Foreign Secretary for his statement and highlighted the plight of unaccompanied children in Gaza due to the collapse of the medical system. He asked what more could be done to protect and provide medical aid to these children.

Minister reply

Ed Miliband thanked James Asser and assured him that the government would do as much as possible to help the children in Gaza, including working with other countries to move things forward and make a difference.

Jeremy Corbyn Lab

Islington North

Question

Jeremy Corbyn acknowledged the campaigners who have worked to bring about justice and peace for the people of Palestine and called on Israel to withdraw from Gaza and disarm Hamas. He also questioned the sharing of surveillance information by the RAF overflying Gaza and the use of RAF Akrotiri and Elbit Systems factories in the UK.

Minister reply

Ed Miliband agreed with Corbyn's desire for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and Hamas to disarm. He stated that the UK is not involved in helping with the occupation but has important and valued intelligence and security relationships with Israel.

Preet Kaur Gill Lab

Birmingham, Edgbaston

Question

Preet Kaur Gill raised concerns about the elevated threat facing British Jews with the approaching religious holidays and asked what steps have been taken to ensure these measures do not contribute to further antisemitism or undermine the security and confidence of Jewish communities.

Minister reply

Ed Miliband emphasised the government's responsibility to protect Jewish communities and reiterated that no British Jew should be held responsible for the actions of the Israeli Government. He urged all Members to transmit this message to the public.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

Question

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

Minister reply

Ed Miliband stated that the government would look at all these issues as part of the sanctions regime and emphasised the need to protect trade with green-line Israel and financial services within it.

Yasmin Qureshi Lab

Bolton South East

Question

Yasmin Qureshi thanked the Prime Minister for showing leadership and affirmed the illegality of Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. She questioned whether any pressure from Washington or Tel Aviv would cause the Government to retreat from implementing these sanctions.

Minister reply

Ed Miliband confirmed that the government would proceed with its plans and emphasised the need to decide what is in the national interest and what is the right thing for Britain based on its values.

Richard Tice

Question

Richard Tice expressed concern that these sanctions would embolden antisemitism, endanger the UK-US relationship and security, and lead to tit-for-tat sanctions from the Israeli Government.

Minister reply

Ed Miliband stated that these concerns were not responsible and reiterated that no British Jew is responsible for the policies of the Israeli Government. He urged all to ensure that there can be no confusion about this question.

Debbie Abrahams Lab

Oldham East and Saddleworth

Question

Debbie Abrahams congratulated the Foreign Secretary on elevating the status of the UK and ensuring that all states and individuals are seen as equal before the law and in terms of human rights. She asked for details of the next steps around the SAMLA statutory instrument.

Minister reply

Ed Miliband stated that the government would proceed with the process of making the statutory instrument happen and emphasised the responsibility of all in this House to tackle antisemitism faced by British Jews in schools and elsewhere.

Andrew George Lib Dem

St Ives

Question

Andrew George 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 Jim Henderson. He asked for more details about sanctions to be imposed on British banks and citizens complicit in the activities in the West Bank.

Minister reply

Ed Miliband stated that the government would impose sanctions on specific companies or entities involved in the financing, construction or infrastructure of settlement expansion without naming them in advance.

Tulip Siddiq Lab

Hampstead and Kilburn

Question

While acknowledging the minister's statement, the MP inquired about the plight of British Jewish children and the education of displaced Palestinian children, expressing concern for their safety and access to schooling.

Minister reply

The minister assured the safety of Jewish children in the UK and acknowledged the importance of addressing the issue of displaced Palestinian children's education.

Zarah Sultana

Question

The MP criticised the government for its continued support of Israel despite its human rights violations, calling for full economic and diplomatic sanctions.

Minister reply

The minister rejected the MP's statements as inaccurate, stating that the UK is taking action against goods and services and has banned arms licences for the IDF in Gaza.

Stella Creasy Lab

Walthamstow

Question

The MP thanked the Foreign Secretary for his commitment to a two-state solution and international law, asking him to reassure the House 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 reaffirmed the UK's commitment to act in its national interest and based on its values, without bending to pressure.

Vikki Slade

Question

The MP asked for assurance that life-saving drugs made in Israel within the green-line would not be affected by the ban, and that supply chains for medications would remain unaffected.

Minister reply

The minister assured that life-saving drugs made within the green-line would not be affected by the ban.

Yuan Yang

Question

The MP praised the Foreign Secretary's actions and moral courage, asking if he would continue to do so, despite threats and intimidation.

Minister reply

The minister thanked the MP for her question and reaffirmed his commitment to act with moral courage.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

Question

The MP accused the Foreign Secretary of politically and economically punishing an ally due to fear of losing votes to the Green party, and warned of economically damaging retaliation.

Minister reply

The minister rejected the MP's claims and challenged him to meet the Palestinian ambassador in the UK.

Alex Sobel Lab

Leeds North West

Question

The MP asked about the possibility of a visa-lite or visa-free regime for Gazan students wishing to come to UK universities.

Minister reply

The minister stated that the UK would keep looking at ways to facilitate visas for Gazan students.

Danny Chambers

Question

The MP asked if the Foreign Secretary would consider sanctioning Israeli Ministers who are encouraging and endorsing violence against Palestinians.

Minister reply

The minister stated that two Israeli Ministers have already been sanctioned 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 the speed of their implementation.

Minister reply

The minister stated that the UK will work with its Dutch colleague to implement sanctions as quickly as possible.

Shockat Adam

Question

The MP referenced a quote about accountability for war crimes and asked the Foreign Secretary what steps he would take to hold war criminals accountable.

Minister reply

The minister affirmed the importance of accountability for war crimes and stated that the UK would be guided by international law.

Richard Burgon Lab

Leeds East

Question

The MP urged the Foreign Secretary to continue resisting pressure to not make international law apply to Israel and to push for the full implementation of the ICJ ruling.

Minister reply

The minister affirmed the UK's commitment to international law and accountability.

Freddie Van Mierlo

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 congratulated the schoolchildren and stated that the best thing the UK can do is work towards a two-state solution and protect Palestinian rights.

Apsana Begum Lab

Toynbee Hall

Question

Asked about the UK's existing intelligence and security partnership with Israel, and whether the UK Government are assessing the UK’s legal position regarding the 2020 UK-Israel military co-operation agreement.

Minister reply

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

Iqbal Mohamed Lab

Poplar and Canning Town

Question

Asked why the action has taken so long and if the Government will now fully comply with their obligations under the ICJ advisory opinion.

Minister reply

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

Kirsteen Sullivan Lab

Conwy

Question

Asked if the statement sends an important message to the people of Jayyous and those across Palestine.

Minister reply

Absolutely, this is in part an expression of solidarity with the people my hon. Friend talks about.

Caroline Voaden Lab

Norwich South

Question

Asked about the guarantee that the sanctions will work.

Minister reply

Part of the point of a sanctions regime is proper enforcement, and we will do that.

Andy McDonald Lab

Middlesbrough

Question

Asked if the Government will move with all pace on the regulations and suspend already granted licences for arms used in the occupation.

Minister reply

All licences that materially contribute to the occupation will not be allowed.

Ayoub Khan Lab

Poplar and Canning Town

Question

Asked to work with colleagues on this side of the House to forge stronger relationships between British Muslims and British Jews.

Minister reply

I undertake to work with Members across the House on these questions.

Sonia Kumar Lab

Wimbledon

Question

Asked what steps my right hon. Friend is taking to ensure that Palestinians are not prevented from accessing healthcare.

Minister reply

We want to move forward on those questions and make a difference both in Gaza and in the West Bank.

Adnan Hussain Lab

High Peak

Question

Asked 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

We have announced a comprehensive set of measures today. Our action cannot be about the erasure of Israel.

David Burton-Sampson Lab

Lewisham East

Question

Asked to assure him that the Government will continue to work towards greater community cohesion in this country.

Minister reply

Absolutely; this must be a campaign for us all.

Lorraine Beavers Lab

Hendon

Question

Asked if the Government will consider suspending the UK-Israel trade agreement.

Minister reply

We believe that trade with green-line Israel is important and should not be ended.

Mohammad Yasin Lab

Bedford

Question

Asked about intervention to protect Al-Walaja co-educational school in the West Bank.

Minister reply

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

John Grady Lab

Thurrock

Question

Asked to reaffirm the Government’s absolute commitment to the independence and proper resourcing of the international court.

Minister reply

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

Chris Kane Lab

Weaver Vale

Question

The Foreign Secretary’s words and actions are strong, welcome and—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

Colne Valley

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.

Patricia Ferguson Lab

Glasgow Cathcart

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. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that anyone—who 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 Lab

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

South Basildon and East Thurrock

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. 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. 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

Colne Valley

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.

Josh Fenton-Glynn Lab

Leigh

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. 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.

John Slinger Lab

Dover

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

Taunton Deane

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 Con

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.

Douglas McAllister Con

South Dorset

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.

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