Thank you to all of those who have contacted me about UK trade with illegal Israeli settlements.

Settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law and the eviction of Palestinians from their homes calls into question the Israeli government’s commitment to a viable two-state solution. I believe the UK Government must object to the expansion of settlements in the strongest possible terms. We cannot allow actions that will set back the prospect of peace in the Middle East to go unaddressed.

On trade as it relates to this issue, I believe it is vital that the Government makes clear to British companies that they have an obligation to ensure their products and services are not used in grave breaches of international law. It must also make clear in its trade negotiations with Israel that it continues to support the principle of non-preferential trade for goods from illegal settlements and will uphold that non-preferential treatment in any future deal.

I believe there must be a renewed focus on negotiating a two-state solution that ensures a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. This must include an end to the forced eviction of Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and adherence to international law on settlements.

I can assure you that I will continue to support efforts to press the Government to meet our international and moral obligations on this issue. Thank you once again to all of those who have contacted me.