Palestinian Refugees

Baroness Blackstone Excerpts

Thursday 13th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Lemos (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for that question and, yes, I would agree that refugees deserve our sympathy and support. In relation to Palestine specifically, we are providing £78 million for humanitarian and early-recovery support for Palestine this year. A couple of weeks ago, we allocated £20 million for essential water, sanitation and hygiene services. We have discussed this many times before in your Lordships’ House. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and the way to improve it is to increase the number of entry points into Gaza, and we call on the Israeli Government to open all routes so that aid can flow. I know that the noble Lord’s question was rather wider than that, but it is important that we deal with the situation.

[Baroness Blackstone (Lab)]

My Lords, the escalation of brutal attacks against Palestinians on the West Bank by people from illegal settlements may well increase the number of Palestinian refugees. I was glad to hear the Minister say that sanctions will be continued against such attacks, but can he say whether the Government will now take action to reduce the trade that is taking place between illegal settlements and the UK—indeed, to stop it altogether—not just in goods but in services and investments too?

[Lord Lemos (Lab)]

I thank the noble Baroness for that question. I have already made clear the Government’s view on settlements in the West Bank. On sanctions, we do not give a running commentary on future sanctions, but I have already said what we have done in relation to that. On the other question the noble Baroness raises about trade and other links with the West Bank, our commitment is to work with international partners and multilateral institutions, and that, at this turbulent time, is a statement of principle in itself.