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Written question asked by John Milne (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Israeli Settlements: Overseas Trade

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of banning trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Answer

Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. They undermine the viability of a two-state solution. We have updated the UK's Business Risk Guidance to explicitly advise businesses against economic and financial activity in illegal settlements. Settlement goods do not benefit from preferential trade arrangements under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement.

We are discussing further concrete steps with our partners to counter settlement expansion and promote peace and security.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
901107
Session
2026-27
Question not reached
Yes
Subjects
Overseas trade Israeli settlements
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk