Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Middle East: Two-state Solution

Tuesday 15 June 2021 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK remains fully committed to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
  • The UK Foreign Secretary visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to reaffirm commitment to peace.
  • The UK will assess its role in the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace after reviewing programme details.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Gibson
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the conflict situation between Israel and Palestine. The recent ceasefire in Israel and Gaza has raised hopes but also concerns about the sustainability of such truces.

Question

What diplomatic steps he is taking to support peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Given the recent conflicts, constituents are concerned about civilian casualties and the prospects for lasting peace.

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK remains fully committed to a two-state solution. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 25 and 26 May for talks with senior leaders, reaffirming our commitment. We are working with partners in the region towards a durable solution and look forward to hearing more from international entities about their objectives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific diplomatic actions not detailed

How: We Are Committed To, Working With Partners

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Q2 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Context

A new government has formed in Israel, and there is a growing debate about the feasibility of achieving a two-state solution due to increasing pressures and changing views.

Question

What policy would he encourage the new Government to pursue given that many voices now argue for full civil rights for Palestinians if a two-state solution becomes unfeasible?

Answer from James Cleverly

We look forward to working with the new Government of Israel in pursuit of a secure, sovereign, and prosperous Palestinian state alongside a stable and safe Israeli state. The UK will support actions complementary to achieving this sustainable two-state solution through political negotiations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific policy not detailed

How: We Are Committed To, Working With Partners

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Q3 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Foreign Affairs
Context

Despite hosting a G7 summit, there are concerns that the UK missed an opportunity to take a leading role in the international fund aimed at promoting peace between Israel and Palestine.

Question

Why did the Government pass over the opportunity to lead the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace during the G7 meeting, and is there any prospect of stepping up as leader with the US?

Answer from James Cleverly

We will look at the detail of what this programme seeks to deliver and assess our contribution once more details are available. We want to ensure that any programmes we support are effective in bringing about peace.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on UK leadership not detailed

How: We Will Look At The Detail

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Q4 Peter Gibson
Foreign Affairs
Context

Many constituents are distraught over recent civilian casualties and want reassurances that diplomatic efforts to prevent future conflict are being made.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend reassure them that the UK continues to work with both sides to avoid future conflict?

Answer from James Cleverly

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary travelled to both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories after recent scenes of violence. We enjoy good relations with both sides and will work with the new Israeli Government towards a sustainable two-state solution.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed

How: We Are Committed To, Working With Partners

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Q5 Wayne David Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The British consul expressed concern about the threat to Palestinian communities in Sheikh Jarrah, highlighting illegal activities undermining peace prospects.

Question

What do the Government propose to do to ensure that Palestinians in East Jerusalem can live in peace and security given threats from settlement activity?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK Government's position on demolitions, settlements, and annexation is clear. We speak with Israel firmly when we believe their actions are counterproductive but ultimately resolution requires negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not detailed

How: We Are Committed To, Resolution Through Negotiation

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