Oral Answers to Questions

Ann McKechin Excerpts

Tuesday 29th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I think not, actually. That is a very important matter, but it does not directly relate to human rights or peace talks. The Minister of State requires no encouragement, and on this occasion I do not wish to offer him any.

[Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

14. When he plans to issue guidance to UK businesses through the overseas business risk register on trade with illegal settlements.

[The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Hugh Robertson)]

We will update our online guidance for citizens and businesses on overseas markets, including Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in the coming weeks, in line with the UK action plan on business and human rights.

[Ann McKechin]

I thank the Minister for his reply, but may I ask him urgently to review the documentation on the UK Trade & Investment website’s “Doing Business in Israel” section, which, according to Oxfam, encourages British businesses to invest in settlements in the Jordan valley by giving details of Israeli grants available for settlements business?

[Hugh Robertson]

Yes, I will certainly look at the guidance the hon. Lady mentions. The UK Government’s policy on this is very clear: settlements are illegal and they are an obstacle to peace, but we work in concert with our EU partners in producing guidelines that affect this issue.