Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of (a) the time since the last legislative elections and (b) repeated postponements on the (i) democratic legitimacy and (ii) accountability of the Palestinian Authority.

On 13 October, the UK, alongside Canada, France and Australia, issued a joint statement expressing regret at the postponement of Palestinian elections and encouraging a clear pathway towards credible elections. Credible legislative and presidential elections are an important part of the commitment President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority made to reform and should take place without further delay. Strengthening Palestinian governance is essential to continue building the institutional foundations of a viable two-state solution, which is the only path to lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine.