Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel and the Palestinians: Supporting Peace

Tuesday 20 April 2021 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK is actively encouraging dialogue and collaboration between Israel and the Palestinians, focusing on health and economic issues.
  • The UK calls on Israel to abide by international law and supports the Palestinian Authority's efforts to hold elections.
  • The UK engages with the EU to ensure the timely publication of a review on Palestinian textbooks and works with the Palestinian Authority to address issues highlighted in the report.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sheryll Murray Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East involving Israel and Palestinian territories.

Question

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

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK is actively encouraging both parties back to dialogue and supports their decision to resume co-operation. We are pushing for deeper collaboration on health and economic issues through initiatives like the international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace, alongside engaging with regional partners and President Biden's Administration.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Selous Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The issue pertains to the rule of international law in Palestine and Israel, with a focus on democratic processes such as elections.

Question

Does he agree that peace must be built on the rule of law with severe consequences for breaches, and all Palestinians should have the right to vote?

Answer from James Cleverly

We regularly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and encourage Palestinian leadership towards democratic institutions. We welcome President Abbas's announcement of election dates and will work closely with the Palestinian Authority to support these elections, including those in East Jerusalem.

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Q3 Nicola Richards
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

There are concerns about UK aid being used to prolong the conflict due to delays in reviewing materials that may incite violence against Israel.

Question

Despite assurances of a March publication, there is still no EU review of Palestinian textbooks. What will be done to ensure UK aid does not support materials harmful to peace?

Answer from James Cleverly

The EU review is in its final stages, we do not fund Palestinian school textbooks directly. We engage regularly with the EU at senior levels for timely publication of the report and liaise closely with the Palestinian Authority to address highlighted issues.

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Q4 Rosie Cooper Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

A $250 million Act has been passed by US Congress to create a fund for peace-building, and the UK is assessing its feasibility.

Question

The US Congress has passed an Act creating an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace. Will the Minister confirm if the UK will use the G7 summit to join this project?

Answer from James Cleverly

We engage positively with peace-building initiatives and continue assessing our overseas development aid. We will work closely with the US Administration, Israeli Government, and Palestinian Authority towards a two-state solution.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or results of assessment are not provided

How: Engaging Positively, Current Programme Of Work

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Q5 Sheryll Murray Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

With the G7 summit approaching, there is an opportunity to demonstrate commitment through multilateral cooperation and peace-building initiatives.

Question

Does he agree that with the upcoming G7 summit in Cornwall, it is time for the UK to take a board seat on the international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace?

Answer from James Cleverly

We have no current plans, but we remain interested in initiatives that encourage peace and co-operation between Israel and Palestine. We will continue working alongside regional governments and the US Administration towards this goal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or timelines are not provided

How: No Current Plans, Keen Interest

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Q6 Wayne David Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

There is an ICC investigation into alleged war crimes by Palestinian and Israeli forces, creating a tension between the court's independence and government statements.

Question

The Prime Minister said that an ICC investigation is a 'prejudicial attack'. Does he believe that the court is independent or not?

Answer from James Cleverly

We absolutely respect the ICC's independence. We expect it to comply with its mandate and will remain a strong supporter of the court.

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