Business of the House

Elsie Blundell Excerpts

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

I call Elsie Blundell to ask the final question.

[Mrs Elsie Blundell (Heywood and Middleton North) (Lab)]

Since the implementation of the peace deal negotiated in the middle east in recent months, we have seen a concerning acceleration of illegal settlements in the west bank in flagrant violation of various United Nations resolutions on the subject. What steps are being taken by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to make clear the UK’s opposition to those settlements, and will the Leader of the House consider a debate in Government time on the region’s future—a topic that is undoubtedly of interest to many across the House?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As my hon. Friend rightly points out, those settlements are illegal under international law and harm the prospect of a two-state solution, which is the Government’s preferred option for the future. We strongly oppose the Israeli Government’s settlements plan and we continue to press the Israeli Government to abide by international law. We have kept the House updated on these matters from time to time and we will continue to do so, but in the meantime I will ensure the Foreign Secretary hears my hon. Friend’s concerns.