Palestinian Refugees

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Excerpts

Thursday 13th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Lemos (Lab)]

I thank the noble Baroness for that question. I have already made clear the Government’s view on settlements in the West Bank. On sanctions, we do not give a running commentary on future sanctions, but I have already said what we have done in relation to that. On the other question the noble Baroness raises about trade and other links with the West Bank, our commitment is to work with international partners and multilateral institutions, and that, at this turbulent time, is a statement of principle in itself.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)]

My Lords, I draw attention to my entry in the register, particularly as an adviser to the Council of Arab Ambassadors.

In terms of statements and symbolism, the recognition of Palestine has now happened. But, in terms of specific influence, what levers are His Majesty’s Government exercising—particularly in direct negotiation with Israel and the leadership of the Palestinians—to ensure the 20-point plan, and what specific lever is the UK responsible for in the plan? The time window is closing. We do not need statements and symbolism; we need action.

[Lord Lemos (Lab)]

I totally agree with that question from the noble Lord and I am delighted he asked it. It is important that I make clear what the Government think are now the urgent priorities following the 20-point plan and our welcome for the ceasefire agreement led by President Trump. We want to move towards the disarming of Hamas and the UK has experience from Northern Ireland that we will deploy. We want to see the deployment of a ceasefire monitoring mission and an international security force, and the implementation of transitional governance arrangements in Gaza. I can tell the noble Lord, and indeed the whole House, that we have deployed UK civilian and military personnel to the Civil-Military Coordination Center that aims to co-ordinate reconstruction efforts across partners in Gaza. I hope the noble Lord will agree that we are doing everything we can for the moment.