Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about its announcement that it intends to create seven new nature reserves in Area C of the occupied West Bank; and what assessment they have made of who is likely to be affected (1) positively, and (2) negatively, as a result.

We are aware of Israeli Defence Minister Naftali Bennett's announcement on 15 January. We would be concerned by any measures taken that would damage the Palestinian presence and development in Area C. We are encouraging both sides to maintain calm and avoid taking actions which make peace more difficult to achieve.