Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel and Palestine

Tuesday 20 July 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK officials are in contact with the US Government regarding the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace.
  • The UK has discussed with the Israeli Government its opposition to demolitions in Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah.
  • Public bodies in the UK are governed by Public Contracts Regulations 2015 when deciding not to invest in settlements.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from the UK's stance on supporting international peace initiatives between Israel and Palestine. The background includes previous government commitments and ongoing diplomatic relations.

Question

When will the UK Government make a decision on whether to support the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace? This fund aims at increasing understanding and dialogue but requires more information before decisions can be made.

Answer from James Cleverly

UK officials are in contact with US Government regarding the International Fund. The US is still at an early stage, so more information is needed before considering collaboration options. UK's overseas business risk guidance does not apply to public bodies or HM Government and opposes illegal settlements under international law.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific decision timeline on supporting the International Fund was not provided.

How: Once More Information Is Available, We Will Consider Options For Collaboration

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Q2 Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question follows from concerns about illegal evictions in Palestinian communities, which contradict the objectives of peace initiatives. The background includes UK's stance on such actions.

Question

What practical steps will the UK Government take to ensure that illegal evictions in Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah cease? These evictions are contrary to international peace intentions and against our opposition to illegal settlements.

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK has a close relationship with Israel, allowing direct discussions on sensitive issues. The Minister and his colleagues have discussed opposition to demolitions in Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah directly with the Israeli Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific practical actions to ensure cessation of evictions were not detailed.

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Q3 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Economy Taxation Local Government
Context

The question stems from the UK's policy against encouraging or supporting economic activities in Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal. The background includes previous government statements on this issue.

Question

Given that the Government's policy is not to encourage or support economic and financial activity in settlements, will the Minister confirm that public bodies deciding not to invest in settlements following his advice will face no obstacles from the Government?

Answer from James Cleverly

Procurement by public bodies is governed by Public Contracts Regulations 2015, which require equal treatment of all economic operators. Additionally, local authorities must exercise functions regarding contracts without regard to non-commercial matters including territory location.

Not addressed: The specific commitment regarding public bodies avoiding investment in settlements was not addressed.

How: Procurement By Public Bodies Is Governed By Various Public Procurement Regulations

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