Since first becoming an MP, one of my highest priorities has been pressing for stronger action to end the appalling war in Gaza and to address Israel’s escalating violations of human rights in the West Bank.
On a recent visit to the region, I had the privilege of meeting families of victims of the October 7 attacks and Palestinians in the West Bank living under the daily threat of displacement and violence from Israeli settlers. Those conversations only strengthened my resolve that the UK must do more to promote peace, uphold international law, and hold the Israeli government to account for actions that undermine the viability of a two-state solution.
Since being elected, I believe I have been instrumental in securing further action from the government, including on the sanctioning of violent settlers and far-right Israeli ministers, the suspension of trade talks with Israel, the banning of arms sales that could be used in the conflict, and the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state – a long-standing injustice that I am proud Labour has finally overturned.
However, many of you will know my frustration that the last government was too slow to act and often did not match the strength of their condemnation of Israel’s conduct with sufficient action. That includes the calls I have made repeatedly as an MP for a ban on trade with Israel’s illegal settlements. I know this is something our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, feels very strongly about and I welcome his apology and recognition that our Labour government should be doing a lot more.
This week I had the privilege of sitting on the government frontbench as a new minister for a historic statement by the Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, who said “today marks the beginning of a new approach – an approach that not only calls out injustice and suffering, but acts”. I therefore strongly welcome his announcement that:
- The UK government is now taking an official position that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza – and not just the construction of settlements – is illegal under international law. That ends the long-standing ambiguity of the UK’s historic position on this fundamental issue.
- The UK will ban the import of all goods from illegal Israeli settlements. No goods produced in settlements on stolen land should be available for purchase in UK shops and supermarkets, and this ban will ensure that will no longer happen.
- The UK will sanction companies and individuals who provide services to illegal settlements, such as those aiding the construction or financing of settlement expansion, or those selling properties in settlements.
- The UK will ban the advertising or promotion in the UK of the sale of land or property in illegal settlements.
- The UK will expand the current ban on arms sales to Israel. The current embargo bans all arms sales to Israel that might be used to commit war crimes in Gaza. The new ban will be expanded to cover any arms that might be used to aid Israel’s illegal occupation in the West Bank and Gaza.
The settlement trade ban is being introduced in concert with allies across the democratic world, including Canada and France.
The Foreign Secretary in his statement made clear that the UK’s argument is not with the people of Israel – it is with the actions of the Israeli government. He also made clear his condemnation of those who would seek to hold British Jews responsible for the actions of the Israeli government. I want to strongly echo those important words and make clear that I will always stand firm against antisemitism and those who seek to use the rights of Palestinians as a smokescreen for racism and bigotry.
I know that the vast majority of those who believe in justice for the people of Palestine and Israel will share in my belief that Britain must remain a tolerant and decent place where Jewish people can live in safety and security. That is something I will always stand up for as your MP.
I am proud that the government has faced down pressure from Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Trump Administration to stand up for our values and say that Britain will not tolerate attempts to obstruct peace in the Middle East. Please rest assured that as your MP I will always stand up for action to secure lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.