Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel and the Palestinians: Support for Peace

Tuesday 2 March 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK is actively encouraging dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians and has engaged in direct communication with both parties.
  • The UK respects the ICC's independence but is working with other countries to bring about reforms in the ICC governance.
  • The UK remains concerned about allegations in Palestinian Authority textbooks and has lobbied European partners to publish the report promptly.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jonathan Gullis
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from ongoing diplomatic tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, highlighting the UK's role in fostering dialogue.

Question

What diplomatic steps is the Government taking to support peace between Israel and the Palestinians?

Answer from James Cleverly (Minister for the Middle East)

The UK is actively encouraging both parties back to dialogue. My right hon Friend, the Foreign Secretary met his opposite number on 10 February. I spoke to the Palestinian head of mission here in the UK on 7 February. The UK has been working with both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority alongside the US and international key partners to progress specific areas of co-operation including water and gas provision, energy infrastructure and trade facilitation.

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Q2 Sarah Atherton
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question addresses potential implications for UK armed forces from a controversial ICC decision regarding jurisdiction over Israel and Palestinians, seeking assurances on UK's involvement in court reforms.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of reforms of the ICC given its controversial determination on jurisdiction relating to Israel and the Palestinians?

Answer from James Cleverly (Minister for the Middle East)

The UK respects the ICC's independence but is working with other countries to bring about positive change. The UK was instrumental in establishing an independent expert review that reported in September alongside other state parties. Additionally, the UK is driving forward reforms to governance, prosecutorial excellence and a more rigorous approach to budget control and value for money.

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Q3 Jonathan Gullis
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question stems from concerns over allegations of violent incitement in Palestinian textbooks and the UK's expectations for a balanced EU report.

Question

What steps will the Government take if the European Union's long-awaited report on the Palestinian Authority's school curriculum, due for publication this month, falls short of the required standard?

Answer from James Cleverly (Minister for the Middle East)

I thank my hon Friend for raising this point and for his consistent approach on this issue. We remain concerned about allegations in Palestinian Authority textbooks, have lobbied European partners to bring forward their report timely manner. I have also discussed directly with Palestinian Authority's representative in UK. We continue to raise our concerns bilaterally at highest levels.

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