Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israeli-Palestinian Peace Fund and Designation of Organisations

Tuesday 30 November 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

  • Israeli authorities designated six Palestinian NGOs, a matter for the Government of Israel.
  • The UK maintains its own criteria for designation and continues engagement with NGOs on human rights issues.
  • The Foreign Secretary hosted a strategic dialogue with the Israeli Foreign Minister to discuss broadening bilateral relations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concern over Israeli designation of six Palestinian NGOs, no evidence provided.

Question

If she will take steps to support the creation of an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Answer from Amanda Milling

The decision by the Israeli authorities to designate six Palestinian NGOs is a matter for the Government of Israel. The UK maintains its own criteria for designation. We continue engagement with a number of those organisations on human rights issues and respect their role in upholding human rights and democracy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about supporting an international fund was not addressed directly

How: Decision Is For Israel, Maintains Own Criteria

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
Foreign Affairs
Context

More than five weeks since Israeli designation of six Palestinian NGOs, no new evidence.

Question

Does the Minister share my concern that the designation of these NGOs is a clear attempt to silence the peaceful defence of Palestinian rights, and will she call on the Israeli Government to immediately revoke the designation?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The decision to designate these six Palestinian NGOs is a matter for the Government of Israel. The UK maintains its own criteria for designation and continues engagement with these organisations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about revoking designations was not addressed directly

How: Decision Is For Israel

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Foreign Affairs
Context

Minister previously said US has not approached UK about joining an international peace fund.

Question

Why has the Minister not shown some initiative and contacted United States Agency for International Development administrator Samantha Power about taking one of the two international board seats to support this exciting opportunity for collaboration?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The UK Government share the objective of increasing understanding and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. The Minister for the Middle East met with ALLMEP on 8 September.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about contacting US officials was not directly addressed

How: Objective Is To Increase Dialogue

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Alyn Smith
Context

NGOs being shut down in Israel with no evidence, UK Minister seemingly uninvolved.

Question

Have the UK Government seen the evidence, and will they commit to helping to keep that civil space open?

Answer from Amanda Milling

Civil society is important. We continue our engagement with organisations on human rights issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about commitment was not addressed directly

How: Civil Society Importance

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Michael Fabricant Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Government decision to proscribe Hamas political wing.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend outline the pact that has been drawn up following the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister to the United Kingdom a couple of days ago?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The Foreign Secretary hosted the first UK-Israel strategic dialogue with Israeli Foreign Minister Lapid. They discussed broadening and deepening bilateral relationship.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about pact was not addressed directly

How: Discussed Broadening Relationship

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)