Occupied Territories Ban on Imports 2023-05-02
2023-05-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the UK's stance on importing goods from occupied territories, particularly the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
If he will have discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the potential merits of implementing a ban on importing goods produced in occupied territories. The UK has no plans to ban imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, but goods imported from settlements are not entitled to preferential treatment under the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement.
The UK has no plans to ban imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Goods imported from settlements are not entitled to preferential treatment under the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement, and the UK supports accurate labelling of settlement goods so as not to mislead the consumer.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or discussions on banning imports from occupied territories were not mentioned.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned why the UK imports goods from the Occupied Palestinian Territories despite not importing goods from Crimea, and sought assurances regarding future trade agreements with Israel.
I think it would be uncontroversial to say that we would not import goods from Crimea, so why it should be any different when we are dealing with the Occupied Palestinian Territories, I simply do not understand. Looking forward to any future trade agreement with Israel, can the Minister assure me that any such agreement would include a clear territoriality clause to specify that it applied only to the sovereign state of Israel, and not to any part of those territories occupied by her in 1967?
Only Israeli goods originating from the state of Israel will be covered by the new UK-Israel free trade agreement.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address whether there would be a territoriality clause specifying that future trade agreements apply only to the sovereign state of Israel.
Response accuracy