Palestine and the United Nations

Bob Russell Excerpts
Thursday 15th September 2011

(12 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alistair Burt Portrait Alistair Burt
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The hon. Gentleman speaks with great experience on these matters, but I have to say that those in the respective foreign affairs departments looking at the issue would recognise that there is significant pressure from the United Kingdom on all. Again, I cannot be tempted to commit to a particular position on a vote that is not yet clear.

Bob Russell Portrait Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD)
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In June, I visited the west bank and east Jerusalem and saw the consequences of the state of Israel’s policies of apartheid and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people. Bearing in mind that Israel does not honour United Nations resolutions, is it not time that Britain, Europe and the rest of the world treated Israel in the way we treated apartheid South Africa?

Alistair Burt Portrait Alistair Burt
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The consequences of the failure to resolve this long-running matter have many different shades on all sides. That is why it is essential to see it resolved and why we feel a sense of urgency to do so.