Written question asked by Lord Judd (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 May 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 May 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 May 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Israeli Settlements: Palestinians

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they have taken to assess any negative impact on Palestinians of the policies of business operating in, or with, Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Answer: We routinely update our guidance to British businesses on the Overseas Business Risk website. We advise British businesses to bear in mind the British Government's view on the illegality of settlements under international law when considering their investments and activities in the region. It has long been our position that Israeli settlement activity is illegal and undermines the viability of two states for two peoples. Ultimately it is the decision of an individual or company whether to operate in settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, but the British Government neither encourages nor offers support to such activity.

Secondary information