Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
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.