West Bank: Purchase of Settlement Land and Property

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Monday 6th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

It is not a case of political will. This is about what we can do that would make a practical difference and be enforceable and implementable. Our guidance is clear. We are looking at the small number of countries that are exploring going further and implementing such a restriction, and we will continue to do that.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, we do not criminalise British citizens for buying property in disputed territories anywhere else in the world. Why should the West Bank be singled out, particularly when such a measure could even extend to Area C, which is under full Israeli control under the Oslo accords, and would criminalise British Jews for purchasing a home in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem? Is not the status of disputed territory ultimately a matter for states and international law rather than something to be determined through domestic criminal law applied to individual purchases?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I think the implementation of international law in this circumstance would be a very good thing. We are not telling people what they have to do; we are pointing out that there is a risk of engaging in business or financial activity that may well support illegal actions. We are very clear that there should be a two-state solution that includes a secure, viable, prosperous, safe and successful Israel alongside the same for Palestine.