Debates between Edward Argar and Hamish Falconer during the 2024 Parliament

Wed 1st Jul 2026

Israel: E1 Zone Expansion

Debate between Edward Argar and Hamish Falconer
Wednesday 1st July 2026

(4 weeks, 2 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

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Hamish Falconer Portrait Mr Falconer
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I do agree, and I pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s work. I know he has been an active voice on these questions and that he sought to visit Israel to engage with those progressive voices. More fool Israel that it did not allow him in.

Edward Argar Portrait Edward Argar (Melton and Syston) (Con)
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The Minister has one of the toughest jobs in Government, and he carries out his duties with diligence, courtesy, reasonableness and ability. I wish him well in whatever the future holds, and I hope he retains his post. Members on both sides of the House have rightly highlighted the illegality of settlements and rightly expressed support for a two-state solution. However, it was reported that on approving the E1 zone development last year, Israel’s Finance Minister said that it would

“bury the idea of a Palestinian state”.

Will the Minister unequivocally reiterate his full condemnation of such a statement and approach?