Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what mechanisms her Department uses to ensure that UK aid does not fund radicalisation in the Palestinian Territories.

DFID complies with both domestic and international counter terrorism financing law, and formal agreements ensure all partners adhere to the Terrorism Act (2000). UK aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) is provided directly through an EU mechanism, contributing to the salaries of vetted public servants in the health and education sectors. Only named public servants from a pre-approved EU list are eligible, and the vetting process includes screening against international and ad hoc sanctions lists designed to prevent terrorism financing. UK support to the PA is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding, which includes the PA’s commitment to uphold the principle of non-violence. UK funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (who have a neutrality policy) and other implementation partners is monitored through regular field visits, programme reviews, and independent audits.