Oral Answers to Questions

Brian Leishman Excerpts
Tuesday 1st September 2026

(1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ed Miliband Portrait Ed Miliband
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As I said earlier, we are looking at all the economic issues in relation to the occupied territories. The hon. Lady raises an important point, which is that what has happened in Gaza and the west bank has pricked the conscience of a generation, and that is why we will act.

Brian Leishman Portrait Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)
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Does the Foreign Secretary share my concern that the British company, Dana Petroleum, is involved in a consortium that has been granted licences for oil exploration in Palestinian waters off the coast of the occupied Gaza strip? Does he agree that it is illegal and amounts to the war crime of pillage? What does he intend to do to challenge this illegal action by a British-based company?

Stephen Doughty Portrait Stephen Doughty
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My hon. Friend raises an important issue. The United Kingdom recognises Palestine as a state and therefore its entitlement to a territorial sea. Let me be clear: I expect any UK company to abide by its obligations under international law.