Jeff Smith MP has welcomed a series of new measures announced by the Labour Government to address the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including action against illegal Israeli settlements and those who facilitate them.

Last week the Foreign Secretary took a number of steps, including:

Making clear that the Government consider the occupation is illegal.

Until now the British government has rightly said that settlements are illegal, while not taking a judgement on the legality of the occupation as a whole. The ICJ concluded in 2024 that the occupation itself was unlawful.

Banning trade in goods from illegal settlements.

Banning trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements, meaning these goods will no longer be allowed to be imported into the UK. The illegality of settlements should be reflected in the economic relationships we have. The British people do not want us to be supporting an illegal occupation by accepting products from settlements in our shops and supermarkets.

Taking action on services that facilitate or support illegal settlements.

Introducing a new sanctions regime targeting companies and individuals that provide services to illegal settlements, including construction, infrastructure, financing and real estate. Those who finance or facilitate illegal settlements will face the full force of UK sanctions. The Government is also banning the advertising and promotion in the UK of land and property in illegal settlements.

Extending our sanctions regime so we have powers to go after those who break International Humanitarian Law.

Expanding the Global Human Rights sanctions regime to give the UK stronger and broader powers to respond to serious violations of international humanitarian law. If E1 proceeds and the situation does not change, future action would be considered case-by-case and in line with the legal thresholds.

Taking action against Iran and its proxies who threaten Israel’s very existence.

Introducing new sanctions on Iran’s economy to make it harder for Iran to develop its nuclear programme and has sanctioned Lebanese Hezbollah’s financing arm, Al-Qard Al-Hassan.

The Government has also announced an additional £250 million for community security as part of renewed efforts to tackle antisemitism in the UK.

MP for Manchester Withington, Jeff Smith said:

“We are witnessing unprecedented violence, including settler terrorism and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in the West Bank. I have previously spoken in Parliament in favour of stronger action against the expansion of illegal settlements, including sanctions and a ban on settlement trade. I welcome the Government taking these important steps and standing up for what is needed to keep the hope of a two-state solution alive.”