Oral Answers to Questions

Gavin Shuker Excerpts

Tuesday 26th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Pennycook (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab)]

7. What representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on the proposed demolition of Khan al-Ahmar village in the west bank.

[Mr Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op)]

16. What recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on prospects for the peace process in Israel and Palestine.

[Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

19. What the policy of the Government is on a two-state solution in the middle east.

--- Later in debate ---

[Alistair Burt]

When I made a statement about that, I drew attention to the point the hon. Gentleman mentioned in the first part of his question about how it might possibly be construed. In relation to the second part, if there is further development in that area, it does indeed call into question the viability of a two-state solution.

[Mr Shuker]

Does the Minister accept that the forcible transfer of Khan al-Ahmar would effectively bisect the west bank and make the price of peace that much higher? Does he also accept that the refusal of the British Government to recognise a state of Palestine makes it harder for the human rights of the Palestinians to be heard?

[Alistair Burt]

I am not sure about the second part because we do raise issues of human rights, particularly in relation to settlements and the like. On the first part, yes, the concern about the location of Khan al-Ahmar—its close proximity to E1 and the possibility of development there being a bar to contiguity—is indeed a concern for the whole of the international community. It is still possible for any demolition not to go ahead.