Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories

Hilary Benn Excerpts

Thursday 20th April 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Mitchell]

My right hon. Friend, with his usual incisiveness, poses an important and interesting question, but the position of the UK Government is precisely as I have set out, and I hope that he will therefore reflect that all these discussions we are holding are aimed at that singular end.

[Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab)]

I join other members of the House in expressing condolences to all those who have lost dearly loved family members. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that we are now probably further away from peace and a two-state solution than we have ever been, and that we will continue to see this kind of violence again and again and again until such time as new courageous political leadership emerges on the part of the Government of Israel and of the Palestinians that is prepared to compromise in the interests of that peace?

[Mr Mitchell]

The right hon. Gentleman, who has dealt with these matters in government and understands them well, makes the case with impeccable clarity.