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Written question asked by Bishop of Chelmsford (Bishops (affiliation)) on Monday, 22 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Jerusalem: Orthodox Church

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Israel regarding actions on 15 June on land and property in Silwan owned by the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Answer

I refer the Noble Bishop to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 24 June in response to Questions 10663-64, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The UK is monitoring the situation in Silwan closely, including the reported seizure of land belonging to the Greek Orthodox Church. The UK is committed to championing freedom of religion or belief for all, and that is particularly important in a city which holds such significance for the three Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It is vital that the historic holy sites where each religious community worships are treated with respect and dignity, and that the traditional arrangements enabling each group to practice their faith are upheld, including the Jerusalem Status Quo.

More generally, we know that the demolition of Palestinian property and the eviction of their residents by Israeli authorities is causing unnecessary suffering to communities throughout Palestine. We also condemn the seizure of land by extremist settler groups and their acts of brutal violence, and - as set out by the Foreign Secretary in her statement to the House on 9 June - the UK will continue to do everything possible to advance the two-state solution and hold violent extremist settler groups to account, including through our sanctions regime.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1145
Session
2026-27
Related items
Jerusalem: Orthodox Church
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Written questions
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Jerusalem: Orthodox Church
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Jerusalem: Orthodox Church
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Land Jerusalem Orthodox Church
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk