Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government how many visa applications they (1) received from, and (2) approved for, Palestinians from the Israeli Occupied Palestinian Territories in (a) 2023, (b) 2024, and (c) 2025; and what percentage of these were from and for Palestinian Christians.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office publishes data on entry clearance visas, by nationality, in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’ [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release]. Data on visa applications are published in table ‘Vis_D01’ whilst data on outcomes of visa applications are published in table ‘Vis_D02’ of the ‘detailed entry clearance visas dataset’[https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/immigration-system-statistics-data-tables#entry-clearance-visas-granted-outside-the-uk]. The latest data is from January 2005 up to the end of June 2025.
The Home Office does not routinely collect information on the religion of visa holders; therefore, it is not possible to identify how many applications or approvals were specifically from Christians.
Figures for visa applications for Jordanian and Occupied Palestinian Territories nationals can be seen in the table below. Please note that an outcome of a visa application may relate to an application raised in a previous year.
Jordan | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (Jan - Jun) |
Applications | 16,837 | 9,196 | 9,068 |
Grants | 15,713 | 7,981 | 7,253 |
|
|
| |
Occupied Palestinian Territories | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (Jan - Jun) |
Applications | 4,275 | 4,607 | 2,277 |
Grants | 3,015 | 2,881 | 1,338 |
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government how many visa applications they (1) received from, and (2) approved for, Jordanian nationals in (a) 2023, (b) 2024, and (c) 2025; and what percentage of these were from and for Jordanian Christians.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office publishes data on entry clearance visas, by nationality, in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’ [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release]. Data on visa applications are published in table ‘Vis_D01’ whilst data on outcomes of visa applications are published in table ‘Vis_D02’ of the ‘detailed entry clearance visas dataset’[https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/immigration-system-statistics-data-tables#entry-clearance-visas-granted-outside-the-uk]. The latest data is from January 2005 up to the end of June 2025.
The Home Office does not routinely collect information on the religion of visa holders; therefore, it is not possible to identify how many applications or approvals were specifically from Christians.
Figures for visa applications for Jordanian and Occupied Palestinian Territories nationals can be seen in the table below. Please note that an outcome of a visa application may relate to an application raised in a previous year.
Jordan | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (Jan - Jun) |
Applications | 16,837 | 9,196 | 9,068 |
Grants | 15,713 | 7,981 | 7,253 |
|
|
| |
Occupied Palestinian Territories | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (Jan - Jun) |
Applications | 4,275 | 4,607 | 2,277 |
Grants | 3,015 | 2,881 | 1,338 |
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what diplomatic support and business assistance they provide to UK-registered companies that trade in goods and services that facilitate and profit from the construction and growth of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Answered by Baroness Gustafsson
The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.
The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will advocate for an independent and thorough investigation of all Israeli attacks on hospitals, healthcare infrastructure and medical personnel in Gaza, and the alleged misuse of those facilities.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The situation regarding healthcare facilities in Gaza is dire. The World Health Organization reports that 94 per cent of hospitals are damaged or destroyed and the remaining functional hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are overwhelmed.
In April, the Foreign Secretary condemned the "deplorable" attack on Al Ahli hospital. We continue to frequently and energetically engage with our Israeli counterparts to protect healthcare facilities and workers.
We have been clear that we expect Israel to transparently investigate all attacks against humanitarians and to hold those responsible to account. Regarding Al Ahli hospital, we welcome investigations into any misuse of facilities in Gaza, including hospitals, but remain clear that medical and humanitarian workers must be protected, and be able to do their jobs safely.
This government's priority is working with our allies to secure a lasting ceasefire that can end the war, ensure the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made as to the government of Israel’s commitment to a two-state solution.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The UK's commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. We support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people and are regularly engaging Israelis, Palestinians and regional partners on this. On May 20, the UK sanctioned Israeli individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The UK continues to support the Palestinian Authority (PA) as it delivers its vital reform agenda. An effective PA is vital for lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution, and the UK is supporting the PA as it delivers much-needed reforms. As we have been clear, Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and harm prospects for a two-state solution. We continue to condemn actions by the Israeli government which make a two-state solution impossible.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Palestinian armed groups are using hospitals and medical centres to shelter from attack.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The situation regarding healthcare facilities in Gaza is dire. The World Health Organization reports that 94 per cent of hospitals are damaged or destroyed and the remaining functional hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are overwhelmed.
In April, the Foreign Secretary condemned the "deplorable" attack on Al Ahli hospital. We continue to frequently and energetically engage with our Israeli counterparts to protect healthcare facilities and workers.
We have been clear that we expect Israel to transparently investigate all attacks against humanitarians and to hold those responsible to account. Regarding Al Ahli hospital, we welcome investigations into any misuse of facilities in Gaza, including hospitals, but remain clear that medical and humanitarian workers must be protected, and be able to do their jobs safely.
This government's priority is working with our allies to secure a lasting ceasefire that can end the war, ensure the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the attacks by Israel on the Al Ahli Hospital on 13 April and 5 June.
Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The situation regarding healthcare facilities in Gaza is dire. The World Health Organization reports that 94 per cent of hospitals are damaged or destroyed and the remaining functional hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are overwhelmed.
In April, the Foreign Secretary condemned the "deplorable" attack on Al Ahli hospital. We continue to frequently and energetically engage with our Israeli counterparts to protect healthcare facilities and workers.
We have been clear that we expect Israel to transparently investigate all attacks against humanitarians and to hold those responsible to account. Regarding Al Ahli hospital, we welcome investigations into any misuse of facilities in Gaza, including hospitals, but remain clear that medical and humanitarian workers must be protected, and be able to do their jobs safely.
This government's priority is working with our allies to secure a lasting ceasefire that can end the war, ensure the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of goods and services exported from the UK for activities related to the construction and growth of Israeli settlements on civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Answered by Baroness Gustafsson
The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.
The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides further information for UK operators. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK-registered businesses comply with the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and relevant international laws and standards in their activities relating to the establishment or maintenance of Israeli settlements.
Answered by Baroness Gustafsson
The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.
The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government what was the total level of exports of goods and services produced or sourced in the UK for activities related to the construction and growth of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in (1) 2021, (2) 2022, (3) 2023, (4) 2024, and (5) 2025.
Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
Whilst HMRC holds information on the country of last known destination for exported goods, it does not hold information on how the goods will be used after delivery.