Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Palestinian Territories: Israeli Settlements

Tuesday 31 January 2023 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jeremy Corbyn asked whether it remains the Government's policy that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories are illegal, to which the response was affirmative.
  • Jeremy Corbyn also questioned why the UK Government voted against referring Israeli settlements to the International Court of Justice at the United Nations, receiving an answer that the UK opposes unilateral resolutions damaging peace efforts.
  • Richard Bacon inquired about the worsening conditions for Palestinian families in the West Bank, to which the response highlighted the UK's close working relationship with Israel to address such issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Foreign Affairs
Context

The legality and consequences of Israeli settlements are under scrutiny. The UK's stance on these settlements is questioned.

Question

Whether it remains the Government's policy that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories are illegal.

Answer from James Cleverly

Yes, it remains the Government's policy that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories are illegal.

Answered
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Q2 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK voted against referring Israeli settlements to the International Court of Justice, despite considering them illegal. Questions arise about sanctions and cooperation with Israel.

Question

If the Israeli Government settlements are illegal, why did the UK Government vote against referring them to the International Court of Justice at the United Nations? What sanctions are being applied to Israel for supplying arms and trading with illegally produced settlement products? If those settlements are completely illegal, as the Government say, why are we having anything to do with them at all? Why did we change our stance at the United Nations?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK opposes unilateral resolutions that damage efforts to advance dialogue and therefore damage the prospects of a two-state solution. The position on settlements has been clear, consistent and unambiguous. We continue to work towards a negotiated two-state solution, which we believe is in the best interests of Israelis and Palestinians.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation for voting against referral to ICJ, sanctions applied

How: Under Review, Considering This

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Q3 Richard Bacon Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns about worsening conditions for Palestinian families in the West Bank, need for steps against balkanisation.

Question

Having recently had the opportunity to visit the west bank with the International Development Committee, I was able to understand just how much worse conditions have become in the past 10 years or so for Palestinian families wishing to see one another within the west bank. What steps have the Government taken to impress upon the Israeli Government how poorly we regard moves to balkanise the west bank itself? What further can be done?

Answer from James Cleverly

We have a close working relationship with Israel, allowing us to raise areas of disagreement. Our position on the west bank and settlements is clear, and we highlight the importance for maintaining a credible route to a viable Palestinian state, speaking out if decisions are made that jeopardise this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Steps taken to impress upon Israel regarding balkanisation

How: Working Relationship, Raising Areas Of Disagreement

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Q4 Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green
Foreign Affairs
Context

Forced evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes are occurring, with concerns over peace prospects.

Question

We join the international community condemning recent attacks. In response to my letter about forced evictions and demolitions in Masafer Yatta, the Minister for the Middle East said that the Government were clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, demolitions and forced evictions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law… and harmful to efforts to promote peace. What steps are being taken to ensure Israel stops eviction of Palestinians from their homes? What efforts are made to support negotiations for a two-state solution?

Answer from James Cleverly

I had a telephone conversation with the newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister, congratulating him and reaffirming UK's passionate stance on peace in the region. We encourage calm responses by Israel while pursuing self-defence, looking to de-escalate deaths in both territories, working directly with Israel, regional partners, and other countries for a peaceful two-state solution.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Steps taken to stop forced evictions

How: Telephone Conversation, Encouraging Calm Responses

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