Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Occupied Palestinian Territories: Illegal Settlements

Thursday 23 March 2023 · 2 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

  • The UK has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law.
  • The UK does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories as part of Israel, including illegal settlements.
  • Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are not recognised by the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Anum Qaisar
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns about UK businesses trading with Israeli settlements that are considered illegal under international law.

Question

Whether she plans to advise businesses not to trade with illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The UK has a clear position on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories: they are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace and the two-state solution. As set out in Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office guidance on overseas business risk, there are clear risks to UK businesses related to economic and financial activities in the settlements and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific advice for businesses but states the government's position on trading with illegal settlements.

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Q2 Anum Qaisar
Foreign Affairs
Context

In January, the Foreign Secretary stated that the UK Government's position on the illegality of Israeli settlements remains unchanged. The question arises from a call to take further action to stop trade with these settlements.

Question

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone celebrating. In January, the Foreign Secretary told the House that the UK Government's position on the illegality of Israeli settlements remains unchanged. If that is the case, will the UK Government finally suspend trade in goods and services between the UK and companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements? Do the Government understand that if not, the UK is essentially legitimising outposts that clearly violate international law?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The UK's long-established position on the settlements is clear, as I outlined. The UK does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories as part of Israel, including the illegal settlements. For example, goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the west bank, including East Jerusalem, are not entitled to tariff or trade preferences under either the agreement that the UK has with Israel or the agreement between the UK and the Palestinian authorities. I think it is important for the House to recognise that, of course, we also have an agreement with the Palestinian authorities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not explicitly state whether trade will be suspended but mentions existing agreements and restrictions on goods from illegal settlements.

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