Balfour Declaration

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Monday 30th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Boris Johnson]

I completely agree with the aspiration the hon. Gentleman sets out. I believe that the future is economic interpenetration and mutual prosperity. That is why next year we are investing £3 million in co-existence projects of exactly the kind he describes.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Is there anything we can do about illegal settlements beyond saying that we are very, very cross?

[Boris Johnson]

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, who makes a valid point. Beyond our repeated statements of disapproval, Members may recollect that we led the way just before Christmas last year with UN resolution 2334, which specifically condemned new illegal settlements. The Prime Minister and I have been at pains to point out to Prime Minister Netanyahu, both here in London and in Jerusalem, our view that the settlements are illegal. That is a point on which we will continue to insist.