Oral Answers to Questions

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Tuesday 27th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Uma Kumaran]

We are clear that there is no UK security without Arctic security. We are working closely with our partners in the region, including Norway. We will contest malign and destabilising behaviours and activities that threaten our interests and the stability of the region. The United Kingdom is stepping up its investment in and capabilities for defence and deterrence in the High North, deepening the defence co-operation with allies through our NATO-first approach and the joint expeditionary force, to respond rapidly to the emerging threats in the region.

[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.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Ed Miliband)]

On 8 September I announced new measures to tackle settlement expansion, including a sanctions regime to target those who support, facilitate or profit from illegal settlement activity. We are doing everything in our power to stop the prospect of a two-state solution being destroyed by the expansion of illegal settlements.

[Rachel Taylor]

The Israeli human rights organisation Yesh Din has found that between 2005 and 2023 more than 93% of investigations into settler violence in the west bank were closed without indictment, with just 3% resulting in convictions. With the olive harvest underway, Palestinian farmers continue to face threats from settler violence. Will the Minister update the House on what steps the Government are taking to protect Palestinian farmers and ensure that those responsible for violence are held to account?

[Ed Miliband]

My hon. Friend asks an important question. The UK has stepped in to support Palestinian farmers who lost their work permits in green line Israel, but her broader point is the most important one. I am very conscious that today is election day in Israel and that these are matters for the Israeli people. Whichever Government—it is their choice—are elected today, I hope that we can work with them to counter the settler terrorism that we see, because it is in nobody’s interests, not least in the interests of the security of Israel.