Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Ryan and Hamish Falconer

Tuesday 21st April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Oliver Ryan (Burnley) (Lab/Co-op)]

T4. I am worried that, despite this Government’s historic recognition of a Palestinian state, there will never be one if the west bank is annexed further, which Netanyahu knows. Some 56 new illegal west bank settlements were approved by Israel in 2025, and since the Iran war began, 78 violent attacks have occurred in more than 148 west bank Palestinian settlements; people are being killed, thousands are being displaced and families and children are being attacked and threatened. What more can the UK do to pressure, sanction and stop this annexation and violence?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)]

I know of my hon. Friend’s commitment to these issues and of the concern in Burnley. I raised exactly those concerns about the west bank with counterparts from the United States—with high representatives from the board of peace—and most importantly with the Palestinian Prime Minister, who is doing everything he can to ensure that people on the west bank are protected from settlement violence. Settlements have expanded at an historic rate and are a subject of deep controversy both in Israel and in this House. We will continue to raise these issues with the seriousness that they deserve.

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Debate between Oliver Ryan and Hamish Falconer

Tuesday 10th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Falconer]

I have answered the question about the approach to the conference. I have sought to be as clear as I can with the House about the importance of conducting diplomacy not on the Floor of the House, but with our allies and friends, in advance of such an important moment as next week. That is the approach that we will take.

[Oliver Ryan (Burnley) (Ind)]

I thank the Minister for his commitment to peace, and for his unrelenting and tireless work towards it. A two-state solution must be protected. We cannot let that light—that hope—be extinguished. He is quite right in his comments. Today’s strong action is right, and it is welcomed by many of my constituents, but will he get even tougher? Will he get more aid in, stop the settler violence, stop the illegal settlements, and take a message from this House and this country about protecting Palestinians and their right to self-determination?

[Mr Falconer]

My hon. Friend has been adamantly committed to these issues. He sets out all the right objectives, and I confirm to him that I take on board that message.

Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK Parliamentarians

Debate between Oliver Ryan and Hamish Falconer

Monday 7th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Falconer]

As I have said, I think the decision was counterproductive.

[Oliver Ryan (Burnley) (Ind)]

I rise in solidarity with the hon. Members for Earley and Woodley (Yuan Yang) and for Sheffield Central (Abtisam Mohamed)—two sisters of this House—and I am disgusted by their treatment at the hands of the state of Israel. However, all too many of my constituents have suffered similar treatment when they have tried to visit Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and other holy sites around the country. Mr Tassadaq Hussain and Suhan Hoque have recently been denied entry. What will the Minister do to make sure that British passport-carrying citizens are not denied entry to Israel?

[Mr Falconer]

It is for Israel to decide whom it grants entry to, but any British national travelling overseas, regardless of their faith, can expect consular assistance from the Foreign Office.