Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about EDM 225: International law and trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
Members of the Government do not, by convention, sign any Early Day Motions / formally support such campaigns, as doing so is likely to breach the Ministerial Code’s rules on collective responsibility.
The UK’s position on Israeli settlements is clear. Settlements are illegal under international law and damaging to renewed efforts to launch peace negotiations.
I firmly believe that the international community must redouble its efforts to support a comprehensive peace agreement that delivers a safe and secure Israel alongside an independent Palestine. A two-state solution brought about through agreement is the most effective way for Palestinian aspirations of statehood to be met.
That being said, the UK, along with a number of other European countries opposed the creation of the UN’s business and human rights database. The UK Government neither encourages nor offers support to individuals or companies who operate in settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind Regards, Alister