← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Israel and Palestine
14 June 2021
Lead MP
Catherine McKinnell
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Lab
Responding Minister
James Cleverly
Tags
EconomyCommunity SecurityForeign AffairsBenefits & WelfareWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 11835
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Catherine McKinnell raised concerns about israel and palestine in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP urged the government to support meaningful dialogue between Israel and Palestinian groups and called for a new approach involving international investment in peacebuilding projects in Israel and Palestine. She also asked the government to examine the feasibility of British participation in the US initiative to invest $250 million over five years in peacebuilding work. The Government must act on Palestine immediately by recognising the state of Palestine, supporting a United Nations inquiry into root causes of conflict, and ending material support for Israel's illegal use of force. The time for empty words is over; action is required to achieve peace.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP expressed concern about the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK since the recent violence began. She highlighted the tragic loss of life, including children, and acknowledged that both Palestinians and Israelis have suffered from the conflict. The MP also mentioned that over half a million people signed petitions calling for the recognition of Palestine as a state and blocking trade with Israel. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's statements regarding the occupation of Palestinian territories and his stance against recognising a Palestinian state are deeply concerning. The speaker highlighted that Palestinians have faced five decades of occupation, witnessing five brutal wars, including one lasting 14 years under blockade conditions in Gaza. Human Rights Watch declared the situation in Israel as 'apartheid', while Amnesty International stated that Israeli actions amount to systematic discrimination and dispossession of Palestinians.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Mr Khan expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence, illegal occupation and human rights abuses in Palestine. He highlighted that 138 out of 193 UN member states have recognised Palestine as a state, while the UK has not. Mr Khan urged the Government to openly condemn Israeli actions such as illegal annexations and evictions and to take tangible steps towards peace and accountability.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
He thanked the Petitions Committee for allowing the debate but noted that a meaningful analysis of the issues in three minutes is challenging. Alistair supported Tommy Sheppard's view on the 'one-state reality' and stressed that the only solution is a two-state solution. He called for Britain to recognise Palestine as a state and condemned the settlement-building programme on the West Bank, stating it makes a two-state solution less likely.
Alyn Smith
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
The SNP supports recognising Palestine as a state and promoting international law, considering it human-centred, feminist, egalitarian, ecological, multilateral. The speaker advocates for the recognition of Palestine to level the discussion and promote peace despite the Palestinian Authority's flaws. He also calls for labelling and not dealing in products from illegal Israeli settlements.
While acknowledging the desire of Jewish people to have a secure homeland, Andrew Selous expressed concern about the impact of illegal settlements on the viability of creating a Palestinian state. He questioned when the British Government would recognise Palestine and highlighted Yossi Mekelberg's argument that recognition could accelerate peace negotiations.
Bury South
Wakeford congratulated the new Israeli Government and expressed concern about petitions that use inflammatory language, stating they will not result in positive outcomes. He highlighted an increase in antisemitic incidents in May 2021, more than any other month recorded by the Community Security Trust. Wakeford mentioned vehicle convoys intimidating Jewish people and mezuzahs being removed from homes. He warned against simplifying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and called for a ban on boycotts of Israel. Asked whether recognising Palestine is expedient given by-elections, questioning how one can recognise something without clear borders or a defined state. Mr Wakeford intervened to emphasise the duty of all Members to condemn antisemitism on the streets, particularly targeting those who call for ethnic cleansing of Israel. He also asked if the Minister would make a statement in the House condemning such calls.
John Howell
Con
Henley
Mr Howell congratulated the new Israeli Government and highlighted its coalition with an Israeli Arab party, stressing Israel's importance to the UK. He argued that boycotting Israel would harm Palestinians and British interests, citing £5 billion in annual trade between the two countries and Teva's contribution to the NHS.
Elliott declared her non-pecuniary interest as chair of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East, condemning violence from all sides. She highlighted 256 Palestinians killed during a 10-day military assault on Gaza, including 66 children and six people with disabilities, alongside almost 2,000 injured. Elliott criticised Israel for disproportionate violence and called for accountability through international courts. She also mentioned the deterioration of medical conditions in Gaza post-ceasefire.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Rushanara Ali highlighted the need for a negotiated settlement to end the cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. She provided statistics on casualties in Gaza, West Bank, and Israel, urging the UK Government to work with international partners to hold both sides accountable.
Sam Tarry
Lab
Ilford South
Mr Tarry highlighted the growing international concern over Israel's actions in Palestine, noting that his constituency of Ilford South had the highest number of signatories to a petition demanding UK recognition of the state of Palestine. He expressed anger and injustice felt by constituents due to the human rights abuses faced by Palestinians.
Shabana Mahmood
Lab
Birmingham Ladywood
Ms Mahmood expressed horror at recent violence in Jerusalem and pressed for protection of holy sites. She noted the need for ending Israel's illegal occupation and settlement expansion, urging the Minister to recognise Palestine.
Steve Double
Con
Patcham
Steve Double agreed with Steve McCabe's viewpoint, stressing that Hamas is the main roadblock to recognising Palestinian statehood due to their terrorist activities and aims. He expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of conflict and supported Israel's right to defend itself.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham, Selly Oak
Steve McCabe declared his commitment to a two-state solution and called for fresh peace negotiations. He questioned the wisdom of recognising Palestinian statehood unilaterally and highlighted Hamas's control over parts of Palestine as an obstacle to peace.
Mr Baker acknowledged past mistakes in deprioritising issues related to Israel and Palestine and vowed to return repeatedly to the debate on a two-state solution. He emphasised the importance of recognising Palestine as a state to address concerns among British Muslim constituents regarding perceived neglect or persecution of Muslims. Mr Baker also thanked community leaders, particularly imams, for their role in fostering peace.
Tommy Sheppard
SNP
Edinburgh East
He expressed concern about the loss of life in Gaza and Israel, particularly among non-combatants and children. Tommy highlighted that the root cause of the conflict is the Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories. He pointed out that through settlement building, evictions, and other measures, this occupation is entrenched, leading to a 'one-state reality' where Palestinians and Israelis are treated differently based on their status.
Wayne David
Lab
Caerphilly
Mr David highlighted the public concern over Israel-Palestine issues, noting two significant petitions. He condemned antisemitism and called for an immediate ceasefire following recent conflicts, stressing respect for religious sites like al-Aqsa mosque. He criticised illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and advocated for a shared city of Jerusalem respecting Palestinian rights. He discussed the occupation's long-term impacts on Palestinians, including increased demolitions and military court injustices against children. Mr David also addressed Gaza's humanitarian crisis and urged international recognition of Palestine alongside Israel.
Government Response
James Cleverly
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dowd. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) for securing this debate and for her work on the issue. The UK welcomed the ceasefire in Israel and Gaza announced on 20 May, condemning antisemitic actions in the UK and across the House. We urge all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to Gaza and open all crossings. The UK will provide £3.2 million of new aid to UNRWA to respond to its emergency appeal launched on 19 May for food, water, and shelter. The Government condemn the firing of rockets at Jerusalem by Hamas and other terrorist groups, supporting Israel's right to self-defence while urging proportionate action in line with international humanitarian law. We oppose boycotts or sanctions against Israel, advocating open discussions instead to progress peace efforts. On evictions, demolitions, and settlements, we urge Israel to cease policies related to settlement expansion and work towards a two-state solution.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.