Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether clarified guidance on the legality of UK trade with illegal settlements in Palestine is being considered within the review of the Government’s approach to Responsible Business Conduct.

The UK Government is clear that Israeli settlements in Palestine are illegal under international law. The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, states there are clear risks to UK operators related to economic and financial activities in the settlements. We discourage such activity and advise that those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice. Separately, the review of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) is focused on the global supply chains of businesses operating in the UK. It is an actor agnostic, neutral and objective appraisal of the UK’s current RBC policy approach and alternative options to enhance the UK’s approach as appropriate.