Thank you to everyone who has written to me about banning trade with Israel’s illegal settlements, and restricting arms sales.
Since being first elected, I have worked hard to push the government to take the strongest possible action when it comes to securing a lasting peace in Israel and Palestine.
Last year I signed a cross-party letter calling on the UK government to recognise a Palestinian state, so I am glad the government listened and formally recognised Palestine last September. You may also remember that in June this year I signed a letter – alongside more than 140 Labour MPs – calling on the government to suspend trade with Israel’s illegal settlements. You can read the full text of that letter here.
Many of you will be aware of my frustration that, under the previous Prime Minister, the government was often too slow to act. While its condemnation of Israel’s breaches of international law and human rights was strong, this was not matched by sufficient practical action. I know this is an issue that our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, feels strongly about, and I welcome his apology and his recognition that our Labour government needs to do considerably more.
That’s why I am proud of the historic statement made by the Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband this week, when he said, “today marks the beginning of a new approach – an approach that not only calls out injustice and suffering, but acts”. Alongside that important statement of intent, the government has now announced that:
- The UK government is confirming an official view that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza – and not just the construction of settlements – is illegal under international law. That ends the long-standing ambiguity of the UK’s historic position on this fundamental issue.
- The UK will ban the import of all goods from illegal Israeli settlements. No goods produced in settlements on stolen land should be available for purchase in UK shops and supermarkets, and this ban will ensure that will no longer happen.
- The UK will sanction companies and individuals who provide services to illegal settlements, such as those aiding the construction or financing of settlement expansion, or those selling properties in settlements.
- The UK will ban the advertising or promotion in the UK of the sale of land or property in illegal settlements.
- The UK will expand the current ban on arms sales to Israel. The current embargo bans all arms sales to Israel that might be used to commit war crimes in Gaza. The new ban will be expanded to cover any arms that might be used to aid Israel’s illegal occupation in the West Bank and Gaza in full.
The settlement trade ban is being introduced in concert with a number of allies across the democratic world, including Canada and France.
The Foreign Secretary made it clear in his statement that the UK’s disagreement is not with the people of Israel, but with the actions and policies of the Israeli government. He also rightly condemned attempts to blame British Jews for the actions of the Israeli government. I strongly support these important points and want to make clear that I will always oppose antisemitism and reject any attempt to use support for Palestinian rights as a cover for racism, hatred, or prejudice.
I believe that the overwhelming majority of people who support justice for both Palestinians and Israelis will agree that Britain must continue to be a tolerant, fair, and decent country where Jewish people can live safely and without fear. As your MP, I will always stand firmly in defence of that principle.
I am proud that the government has resisted pressure from Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Trump Administration and has chosen to uphold British values by making clear that the UK will not accept efforts by the current Israeli government to undermine prospects for peace in the Middle East. As your MP, I want to reassure you that I will continue to support meaningful action to achieve lasting peace, security and justice for both Israelis and Palestinians through a two-state solution.