Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel and Palestine

Tuesday 2 May 2023 · 6 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tommy Sheppard inquired about recent discussions on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, noting security concerns and calling for de-escalation.
  • Alex Davies-Jones inquired about collaborative projects using cutting-edge science and AI to enhance peace, prompting a promise to explore opportunities with the relevant department.
  • Bambos Charalambous called for the reversal of demolition orders, citing the risk of violence, and the Secretary of State condemned such demolitions as illegal under international law.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP questioned recent discussions with Israel on human rights issues, prompted by ongoing tensions and incidents of violence.

Question

Whether he has had recent discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He noted concerns over security operations and called for de-escalation of tension.

Answer from James Cleverly

Our strong bilateral relationship with Israel means that we can speak frankly about human rights issues. On 7 April, I condemned the indiscriminate rocket attacks directed at Israel and expressed condolences for the victims of a terrorist attack.

Answered
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Q2 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Science & Technology
Context

The MP noted a deadly year for violence in the West Bank and questioned recent conversations with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology about AI projects promoting peace.

Question

Last year was the deadliest since 2005 and the cycle of violence continues. What recent conversations have Ministers or the Secretary of State had with their colleagues in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on collaborative projects using cutting-edge science and artificial intelligence to encourage peace?

Answer from James Cleverly

I will endeavour to speak with the Secretary of State or Ministers in that Department. We explore opportunities to enhance peace, whether through traditional people-to-people approach or the use of AI.

Partly answered

Not addressed: concrete details on discussions about AI projects and their impact

How: Will Endeavour, Explore

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Q3 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP questioned the Foreign Secretary about the policy of the Israeli Government not pursuing a two-state solution and how discussions on trade will be used to pursue this objective.

Question

Now that it is the policy of the Israeli Government not to pursue a two-state solution, can he explain how the discussions on trade with Israel will be used to pursue that policy objective and uphold human rights in the occupied territories?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK enjoys a trade relationship with both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We put human rights at the heart of our foreign policy when it comes to Israel and OPTs, continuing to hold our position on the desirability of a two-state solution.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific details on trade discussions supporting the two-state solution

How: Put Human Rights At Heart

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Q4 Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP praised the Abraham accords as a breakthrough in diplomatic dialogue and questioned whether the Palestinian leadership should recognise changes.

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary agree that the Abraham accords are a huge breakthrough, creating conversations between countries previously not speaking? Shouldn't the Palestinian leadership recognize these changes?

Answer from James Cleverly

The right hon. Friend makes an important point about the changing dynamic in the region. The accords have unlocked dialogues between countries in the Arab world and Israel, formalising relationships that were perhaps informal before.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific details on importance for regional security

How: Important Point

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Q5 Stephen Crabb Con
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP highlighted that more than 1 million worshippers visited the Temple Mount during Ramadan and questioned whether this marks Israel as an example of religious freedom.

Question

More than 1 million worshippers were able to visit the Temple Mount, marking festivals being celebrated freely. Does this mark Israel out as a remarkable example of religious freedom?

Answer from James Cleverly

On my visit to Israel, I saw people of all religions living their lives freely there, which is commendable. Through this rare period when three great religions celebrate significant events simultaneously, we had extensive conversations with Israeli and Palestinian leaderships.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific examples or mechanisms supporting religious freedom

How: Seen People Of All Religions Living Freely

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Q6 Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP noted visits by British Consulate General to Jubbet ahd-Dhib school, which is at risk of demolition, and questioned if the Secretary of State will join calls to demand reversal of such orders.

Question

British Consulate General visited Jubbet ahd-Dhib school near Bethlehem, joined by other European missions. Considering the possibility of violence from demolitions, can the Secretary of State join calls to reverse demolition orders?

Answer from James Cleverly

We regularly raise sensitive issues with Israel, including settlements and evictions. We condemn demolitions as illegal under international law, limiting success chances for a two-state solution.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific steps being taken to protect viability of a two-state solution

How: Regularly Raise, Condemn

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