Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Graham Leadbitter (Scottish National Party) on Friday, 14 March 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Monday, 24 March 2025 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Trade: Occupied Territories and Western Sahara

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion entitled Legal Consequences Arising From The Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including East Jerusalem, published on 19 July 2024, if he will ban UK trade and investment with illegal settlements in (a) Western Sahara and (b) Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Answer

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK's current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Israel. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. The UK is committed to international law and respects the independence of the ICJ. We are carefully considering the Court's advisory opinion with the rigour it deserves.

It is for companies to take their own decisions on whether to do business in Western Sahara. The UK continues to support UN-led efforts to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
38512
Session
2024-26
Related items
Trade: Occupied Territories and Western Sahara
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Investment Occupied territories Western Sahara Trade
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk