Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Palestinian State

Tuesday 28 October 2025 · 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

  • Andrew George questioned the Government on reviewing existing trade deals with Israel to ensure they do not undermine the prospect of a Palestinian state.
  • Uma Kumaran asked the Government to take steps to ensure Israel stops blocking urgently needed aid and humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian people.
  • The Foreign Secretary confirmed efforts to increase aid flow into Gaza but noted that restrictions and unopened crossings still impede the level of assistance desired.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK's recognition of the state of Palestine was announced to protect the viability of the two-state solution and support lasting peace.

Question

Slow as it was, that is welcome indeed, but will the Government go beyond suspending new trade deals and actively review existing trade deals with Israel, including both goods and services originating from the illegal settlements, to ensure that UK trade policy does not undermine the prospect of Palestinian statehood?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)

The Foreign Secretary has already been clear about the importance of a single, effective Palestinian state, which includes the West Bank. The hon. Member has heard from me on a number of occasions about the different trading standards for both Israel itself and the occupied territories. We keep these questions under close review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request to actively review existing trade deals was not addressed with concrete commitments or actions.

How: Keeps Under Review

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Q2 Uma Kumaran Lab Stratford and Bow
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The head of the United Nations humanitarian affairs team described driving through Gaza City as like 'going through the ruins of Hiroshima'. The people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian disaster.

Question

We all welcome a ceasefire and the recognition of a Palestinian state, but we must now support the Palestinian people. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that Israel stops blocking this urgently needed aid and humanitarian supplies, and to get them to the people who are desperately in need?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)

I want to update the House on this very important question. We are seeing a greater flow of aid into Gaza. That is supremely welcome, but it is not yet at the level we would wish to see. There are still restrictions on that aid going in, and vital crossings remain unopened. We continue to engage with all our partners on this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for steps to ensure Israel stops blocking aid was not addressed with concrete commitments or actions.

How: Continuing To Engage, Under Review

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