Statement on the Foreign Secretary’s Measures on Illegal Settlements

Today, this Labour Government has set out a powerful and hugely welcome shift in our approach to support for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. 

The centrepiece is a clear ban on all goods trade with the illegal settlements in Palestine’s occupied West Bank, alongside commitments to act against those who provide critical services for settlement expansion, and a ban on settlement advertising. This action is a response to the government of Israel’s support for an extreme increase in settlement expansion, including last month’s approval for the E1 settlement, which would divide East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, creating the greatest barrier yet to the two-state solution. 

The UK has long recognised that settlements in Palestine are illegal under international law, and this action ensures that our trade policies work against them, in line with our diplomacy. This is extremely welcome action, and it is encouraging that the Government is being joined by France, Canada and many others in standing together for peace and the rule of international law today. 

I further welcome the Foreign Secretary’s clear statement that the UK’s official position is that the occupation of Palestine is unlawful, in line with the 2024 ruling of the ICJ. The steps being taken to restrict export licences that could support the occupation, as well as the ongoing violence in Gaza, are highly important, as are further sanctions against extremist settlers who have supported or incited violence. 

Further work will be needed, but the action this Government are taking today is a very serious step forward, following on from last year’s official recognition of the state of Palestine. 

Calvin