Oral Answers to Questions

Janet Daby Excerpts

Tuesday 27th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

4. What steps his Department is taking to oppose the expansion of illegal settlements in the west bank.

[Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)]

5. What discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the E1 settlement plan in the west bank.

[Nesil Caliskan (Barking) (Lab)]

9. What steps his Department is taking to oppose the expansion of illegal settlements in the west bank.

--- Later in debate ---

[Ed Miliband]

Let me join you, Mr Speaker, in wishing my hon. Friend a happy birthday. May I say how well informed you are? I credit your staff, myself.

In all seriousness, the situation in the west bank is horrifying. We are witnessing unprecedented levels of violence, including settler terrorism and ethnic cleansing in some areas. I am not going to speculate on future designations of specific individuals, but we have laid legislation this month to expand the global human rights sanctions regime to target those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law, and we will use those powers.

[Janet Daby]

I thank the Secretary of State for his responses so far. The E1 scheme is a further terrifying situation for Palestinians, who are vulnerable and have no protections. Will he say what sanctions are being put in place at present? What more are the Government doing to ensure that those working on the E1 scheme are sanctioned?

[Ed Miliband]

My hon. Friend raises a really important issue that we have discussed in this House before. The E1 development is a direct threat to the prospect of a two-state solution. I want to be completely clear that those individuals and businesses that proceed with bids for E1 construction tenders risk facing the full force of UK sanctions—I said that on the day of the closing of the tenders. That is why what we are doing is about much more than symbolism; it is about substantively stopping the destruction of the prospect of a two-state solution.