Debates between Andy Slaughter and Matthew Offord during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Centenary of the Balfour Declaration

Debate between Andy Slaughter and Matthew Offord
Wednesday 25th October 2017

(7 years, 1 month ago)

Westminster Hall
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Andy Slaughter Portrait Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab)
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I am surprised to hear the hon. Gentleman say that he supports trade with settlements that are illegal under international law, which is discouraged by his own Government. To fulfil the second part of the Balfour Declaration, regarding non-Jewish communities, do we not need to follow international law and end the occupation?

Matthew Offord Portrait Dr Offord
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We will certainly follow international law, but we do not want to negotiate and work with people who wish to see the destruction of Israel. Hamas is a leading proponent of that—part of its foundation is that it does not want the state of Israel to exist. I would not agree with negotiating or working with Hamas. We will work with the Palestinian authorities and others who are actually seeking the best for their people, rather than murdering their own people, as Hamas has done in the past.