MPs in York have welcomed the government’s ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The ban, announced by foreign secretary Ed Miliband on Tuesday (September 8), has triggered a diplomatic row with Israel and drawn criticism from opposition figures at home.
But appearing at the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons on Wednesday, Andy Burnham said the UK was showing “leadership on the world stage”.
Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, said she welcomed the government’s “commitment to uphold international law with action where violations occur, and to respond with sanction against those who perpetrate the law”.
“Settler occupations in the West Bank are illegal, as are the atrocities which have caused the loss of life for 75,000 people, including 21,000 children, in Gaza and 2,000 civilians in Israel since 7 October 2023,” she said.
“This government will act in the interests of securing stability and peace, a future two state solution, human rights and the rule of law.
“I want to thank all those who have and continue to campaign for peace and justice, which government will work towards for the sake of all.”
Meanwhile, York Outer MP Luke Charters said the “humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic and deeply distressing”.
“The situation across Gaza and the West Bank remains extremely serious and I understand why so many constituents feel strongly about it,” the Labour MP said.
“I welcome the government's announcement today, particularly the coordinated action being taken alongside international partners, the additional measures relating to illegal settlements, the continued commitment to humanitarian assistance, and the clear reaffirmation of a two-state solution.
“While today's announcement will not resolve the conflict on its own, I believe it represents an important step forward.
“I will continue to monitor developments closely, raise constituents' concerns where appropriate, and support efforts that uphold international law, protect civilians and advance the cause of a just and lasting peace.”
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Announcing the ban on Tuesday, Mr Miliband said a “new approach” was necessary because plans for the E1 development in the West Bank would render a two-state solution “unviable” by “cutting through the heart of Palestine”.
He said more settlements had been approved under the four years of Mr Netanyahu’s government than in the previous 20 years and settler terrorism in the West Bank was “rampant”, accusing the Israeli government of turning a blind eye to “ethnic cleansing”.
The move drew swift condemnation from Israel, whose foreign minister Gideon Saar announced the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem and banned 11 MPs, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, from entering the country.
Mike Huckabee, the American ambassador to Israel, described the ban as an “irrational act”.
But in a more mixed response, US secretary of state Marco Rubio declined to comment on the announcement beyond saying the US would “obviously” not follow suit, and Donald Trump has yet to comment.
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