Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they will give to the new unity government in Palestine; and what action they plan to take to support the stabilisation of the West Bank and Gaza.

The British Government welcomed the announcement on the formation of a new interim technocratic government for the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). Through Department for International Development funding of £130 million for 2011-15, the UK supports the Palestinian Authority (PA) in building and maintaining the institutions needed for a future Palestinian state. Support to the PA is vital for maintaining stability on the ground through continued service delivery for Palestinians and security co-operation with Israel. We have made clear that our continued support will rest on the new government's ability to live up to its commitments to the principle of non-violence and acceptance of all previous agreements and obligations, including Israel's legitimate right to exist. In addition, through the tri-departmental Conflict Pool, the UK supports peace and stability by funding projects in Israel and the OPTs with a budget of £4 million for 2014-15.