Middle East

Baroness Deech Excerpts

Wednesday 10th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Lemos (Lab)]

I am sure I did not mean to say that it is difficult to go to Israel, but even if I did say it, I am grateful for the helpful advice on that. I think the noble Lord knows what I meant, which is that this is a complex dynamic and who we talk to when is not straightforward. On the Charity Commission, the meeting took place this morning. I can confirm that it was not confined to charities that support West Bank settlements. I am very happy to ask the department to write to the noble Lord about the others, but I know it involved some of the places, charities and activities that he is talking about. I was not there, obviously.

[Baroness Deech (CB)]

My Lords, the pointless recognition of Palestine, which ran counter to international law, has made no difference at all. I note that in the Statement it is taken for granted that east Jerusalem will be part of Palestine. I remind the Government that when Arabs were in control of east Jerusalem—indeed, the whole of Jerusalem—between 1948 and 1967, they wrecked it. There was no Jewish access to holy places. They were deliberately desecrated. The thought of that happening again is really too dreadful. It is about time that the Government came to terms with the possibility of a two-state solution. If 2 million Arabs can live in Israel peacefully, why cannot some Israeli settlers, as they are called, live in Palestine, if it is ever created, without any trouble?

[Lord Lemos (Lab)]

The Government’s view, as I think the noble Baroness knows, is that we support the two- state solution. That is why we recognise Palestine. I know she is a long-standing critic of that position and I understand her scepticism, but that is the Government’s view, and we want to try to make that work. On Jerusalem, that is the most important city for many people of many faiths around the world, and of course we shall want to see it protected.