Israel: Royal College of Defence Studies

Lord Young of Acton Excerpts

Wednesday 17th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Hamas is a terrorist organisation. It does not believe in a two-state solution. We believe that Israel and the state of Palestine should live safely, in prosperity and security, alongside one another.

[Lord Young of Acton (Con)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as a director of the British Friends of Israel. Can the Minister assure the House that the Defence Secretary had due regard for the equalities impact of his decision to exclude Israelis from taking up places at the Royal College of Defence Studies? I am sure she knows that is one of his legal duties under Section 149 of the Equality Act. Will she confirm that he will take specific advice from the Attorney General on this point?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

That is a very important point, and it has been considered, of course. To explain how the Equalities Act as it applies here, we award places at RCDS on the basis of its relationship with the Government and the country; it is not to do with the identity of the individuals who are taking part.