Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding its announcement of 29 May that 22 new Israeli settlements have been approved in the West Bank.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are clear that settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for peace. The Minister for the Middle East condemned the 22 new settlements announced by Israel on 29 May 2025 and we regularly urge Israel to halt settlement expansion in our diplomatic engagements. This government is committed to a two-state solution. It remains the only viable framework for a just and lasting peace.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to recognise the State of Palestine.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering.  We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood. Any UK decision to recognise another state is the prerogative of the Crown, acting on the advice of the Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024, what steps they are taking to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is fully committed to international law and respects the independence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). We continue to consider the Court's Advisory Opinion carefully, with the seriousness and rigour it deserves. The UK does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Israeli settlements, as part of Israel. Goods imported from the settlements are therefore not entitled to benefit from trade preferences under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement. The UK also supports accurate labelling of settlement goods, so as not to mislead the consumer.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what level of representation they intend to send to the UN High Level Conference on the two-state solution on 17–20 June.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The two-state solution Conference has been postponed following military escalation in the region. We remain deeply committed to a two-state solution which remains the only way to guarantee security, dignity and a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. We will continue to work closely with France, Saudi Arabia and others to make the conference a success when it is re-scheduled.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the guidance to businesses trading in produce originating from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK's current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators on how goods from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories should be labelled.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of cases in which soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces have used Palestinians as human shields in Gaza.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are deeply disturbed by reports that soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces have used Palestinians as human shields in Gaza. Use of civilians as human shields is a breach of international humanitarian law. We call on the Government of Israel to fully investigate all such reports and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish a response to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legal Consequences Arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and when.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is fully committed to international law and respects the independence of the International Court of Justice. We continue to consider the Court's Advisory Opinion carefully, with the seriousness and rigour it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the government of Israel’s decision to build a Palestinian-only bypass road in the E1 area of the West Bank.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK condemn categorically the development of settlements. Settlements are illegal under international law and do not protect Israel. As the Foreign Secretary said on 20 May, the two-state solution is in peril, endangered not only by the war in Gaza, but by the spread of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts across the Occupied West Bank, with the explicit support of this Israeli government. The Foreign Secretary has been clear with Israeli counterparts that settlement expansion must stop and we continue to monitor Israeli developments in the West Bank.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding plans to build settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK condemn categorically the development of settlements. Settlements are illegal under international law and do not protect Israel. As the Foreign Secretary said on 20 May, the two-state solution is in peril, endangered not only by the war in Gaza, but by the spread of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts across the Occupied West Bank, with the explicit support of this Israeli government. The Foreign Secretary has been clear with Israeli counterparts that settlement expansion must stop and we continue to monitor Israeli developments in the West Bank.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Israeli Defence Force’s reported use of the ‘Dahiya Doctrine’, the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure; and of whether it is compatible with international humanitarian law.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Our International Humanitarian Law (IHL) assessments consider Israel's commitment to and compliance with IHL in a number of areas including compliance with the principle of distinction in the conduct of hostilities. We take any allegations of deliberate or indiscriminate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure very seriously. In the context of Gaza, it is also understood that Hamas has extensively embedded its military assets in Gaza's densely built environment, including civilian buildings.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of goods and services exported from the UK for activities related to the construction and growth of Israeli settlements on civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.

The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides further information for UK operators. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK-registered businesses comply with the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and relevant international laws and standards in their activities relating to the establishment or maintenance of Israeli settlements.

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.

The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what was the total level of exports of goods and services produced or sourced in the UK for activities related to the construction and growth of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in (1) 2021, (2) 2022, (3) 2023, (4) 2024, and (5) 2025.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Whilst HMRC holds information on the country of last known destination for exported goods, it does not hold information on how the goods will be used after delivery.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of imports of goods and services into the UK from the Occupied Palestinian Territories originate from, or are linked to, activities related to settlements in (1) 2021, (2) 2022, (3) 2023, (4) 2024, and (5) 2025.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Government of Israel.

Where there are doubts about the origin of goods that have been declared as being of Israeli origin, HMRC will undertake checks to verify the origin of those goods to ensure fiscal compliance. HMRC does not however provide specific details regarding checks as it may serve to undermine compliance activity.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will advocate for an independent and thorough investigation of all Israeli attacks on hospitals, healthcare infrastructure and medical personnel in Gaza, and the alleged misuse of those facilities.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The situation regarding healthcare facilities in Gaza is dire. The World Health Organization reports that 94 per cent of hospitals are damaged or destroyed and the remaining functional hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are overwhelmed.

In April, the Foreign Secretary condemned the "deplorable" attack on Al Ahli hospital. We continue to frequently and energetically engage with our Israeli counterparts to protect healthcare facilities and workers.

We have been clear that we expect Israel to transparently investigate all attacks against humanitarians and to hold those responsible to account. Regarding Al Ahli hospital, we welcome investigations into any misuse of facilities in Gaza, including hospitals, but remain clear that medical and humanitarian workers must be protected, and be able to do their jobs safely.

This government's priority is working with our allies to secure a lasting ceasefire that can end the war, ensure the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made as to the government of Israel’s commitment to a two-state solution.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK's commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. We support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people and are regularly engaging Israelis, Palestinians and regional partners on this. On May 20, the UK sanctioned Israeli individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The UK continues to support the Palestinian Authority (PA) as it delivers its vital reform agenda. An effective PA is vital for lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution, and the UK is supporting the PA as it delivers much-needed reforms. As we have been clear, Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and harm prospects for a two-state solution. We continue to condemn actions by the Israeli government which make a two-state solution impossible.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Palestinian armed groups are using hospitals and medical centres to shelter from attack.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The situation regarding healthcare facilities in Gaza is dire. The World Health Organization reports that 94 per cent of hospitals are damaged or destroyed and the remaining functional hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are overwhelmed.

In April, the Foreign Secretary condemned the "deplorable" attack on Al Ahli hospital. We continue to frequently and energetically engage with our Israeli counterparts to protect healthcare facilities and workers.

We have been clear that we expect Israel to transparently investigate all attacks against humanitarians and to hold those responsible to account. Regarding Al Ahli hospital, we welcome investigations into any misuse of facilities in Gaza, including hospitals, but remain clear that medical and humanitarian workers must be protected, and be able to do their jobs safely.

This government's priority is working with our allies to secure a lasting ceasefire that can end the war, ensure the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the attacks by Israel on the Al Ahli Hospital on 13 April and 5 June.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The situation regarding healthcare facilities in Gaza is dire. The World Health Organization reports that 94 per cent of hospitals are damaged or destroyed and the remaining functional hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are overwhelmed.

In April, the Foreign Secretary condemned the "deplorable" attack on Al Ahli hospital. We continue to frequently and energetically engage with our Israeli counterparts to protect healthcare facilities and workers.

We have been clear that we expect Israel to transparently investigate all attacks against humanitarians and to hold those responsible to account. Regarding Al Ahli hospital, we welcome investigations into any misuse of facilities in Gaza, including hospitals, but remain clear that medical and humanitarian workers must be protected, and be able to do their jobs safely.

This government's priority is working with our allies to secure a lasting ceasefire that can end the war, ensure the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what diplomatic support and business assistance they provide to UK-registered companies that trade in goods and services that facilitate and profit from the construction and growth of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.

The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.

Found: After Clause 1 THE LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER LORD WOODLEY 8_ After Clause 1, insert the following

Found: BARONESS LISTER OF BURTERSETT BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES LORD HAMPTON THE LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER

Found: After Clause 1 THE LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER LORD WOODLEY _ After Clause 1, insert the following new

Found: BARONESS LISTER OF BURTERSETT BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES LORD HAMPTON THE LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER

Found: BARONESS LISTER OF BURTERSETT BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES LORD HAMPTON THE LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER

Found: BARONESS LISTER OF BURTERSETT BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES LORD HAMPTON THE LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER

Found: BARONESS LISTER OF BURTERSETT BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES LORD HAMPTON THE LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER

Found: BARONESS LISTER OF BURTERSETT BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES LORD HAMPTON THE LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER

Global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights APPG
Wednesday 11th June 2025

Found: chamber, sitting at 2:30pm Oral question - Re-offending rates of domestic abusers – The Lord Bishop of Gloucester

Found: Letter dated 27/05/2025 from Lord Timpson to Lord Beith, Lord Thomas of Gresford and Lord Bishop of Gloucester

Found: Letter dated 27/05/2025 from Lord Timpson to Lord Beith, Lord Thomas of Gresford and Lord Bishop of Gloucester

Found: Letter dated 27/05/2025 from Lord Timpson to Lord Beith, Lord Thomas of Gresford and Lord Bishop of Gloucester