Palestinian Refugees

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Thursday 13th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Lemos (Lab)]

I thank the noble Baroness for that question. I have already talked about the final status arrangements that we hope for in relation to the Palestinian refugees. She asks about the right of return; the UK supports a just, fair, agreed and realistic settlement for refugees, in line with UN Security Council resolutions. In practice, this means that the right of return is a final status issue that must be agreed in negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians, but with support from neighbouring countries and the international community, including the UK, and compatible with two states for two peoples.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, I am sure there is a range of views across your Lordships’ House on the Government’s decision to recognise Palestine. However, I am sure everyone agrees on the need for national and border security to be primary duties of the Government. Can the Minister tell the House what steps the Government are taking to ensure that no person who has been a member of, or linked to, Hamas comes to the UK as a refugee from Palestine?