West Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and Property
Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Baroness Primarolo
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
The position is that these settlements are illegal, and it is the duty of the Government to make clear that position to UK businesses and others. That is the view of this Government. Having been there and spoken to those who have been forced to move by violent settler activity repeatedly—six, seven or eight times—and have had to rebuild their homes and restart their lives, with the trauma that all of that involves, I do not see this as something that targets Jews at all. I see it as a move that is designed to ensure the preservation of the potential of a two-state solution and viable lives for people on both sides.
Baroness Primarolo (Lab)
My Lords, the Minister told us that the settlements are illegal and that the Government support a two-state solution. How do the Government think they will achieve a two-state solution? Are the settlements, and the purchases by British citizens, fulfilling the UK’s international obligation to recognise the State of Palestine and facilitate that two-state solution? If not, what steps will we take to make that a reality?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
In this Government’s view, the purchases do not help to bring about a two-state solution or peace and stability in the region. That is why we have taken the position that we have, and it is why we ultimately recognised the State of Palestine in the summer of last year. All these issues come about because of a failure by many to understand that, to have a two-state solution, you need safety, security and prosperity on both sides of the fence.
Gaza and Hamas
Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Baroness Primarolo
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
It is a very important issue. As I am sure the noble Baroness knows, the olive harvest is a particularly dangerous time. I visited the West Bank a few months ago and was able to meet with families who have been displaced many times and forced to rebuild their homes because of settler violence. We deplore this and we have taken steps, including sanctions against some of those who are responsible. As she would wish, we make representations about this at every opportunity.
Baroness Primarolo (Lab)
My Lords, notwithstanding the fragility of the ceasefire and every effort the Government are making to support it, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are starving now. What more can the Government do to open up the access routes the Minister has referred to, in order to get more aid in and therefore have a more equitable distribution in Gaza?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
The noble Baroness is completely right. We have spent almost £100 million already this year on aid for Gaza. The serious frustration we have is our inability to get that aid where it is needed. The Israeli Government control this, and we use every lever we have, alongside our partners. There has been some progress, but clearly not nearly enough. We are hopeful that we will see a change in this very shortly.
Finance (No. 3) Bill
Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Baroness Primarolo(15 years, 1 month ago)
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Lorely Burt
I must confess, somewhat ashamedly, that I have also seen Jeremy Kyle’s show and the advertisements that accompany it. I want to pick up on the fact that Labour Members do not feel it appropriate to meet short-term loan companies. I do not tweet, but it is my understanding that the hon. Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) says that Wonga has refused to meet her. That is not the case, however. [Interruption.] This is my understanding; I am just going on a letter from Wonga, and I do not want to get involved in the dispute. My point is that we must fully understand the situation. The hon. Lady knows it intimately; I do not deny that.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo)
Order. This is supposed to be an intervention, not a speech. I call Jenny Chapman.
Mrs Chapman
I am unclear as to the point that was being made, but I recommend that the hon. Lady follows my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow on Twitter, as she might therefore become more familiar with my hon. Friend’s efforts to secure meetings with senior officials at Wonga and might also understand the frustration felt by Labour Members. It is frustration not only with the high-cost lenders, but with the Government too. Five months ago, the Backbench Business Committee initiated a positive debate on this issue, but there has been no movement since then—no announcements and no indication that something is in the pipeline. That fosters a great deal of frustration and a lack of trust among Opposition Members.