Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning the status quo at Jerusalem’s Holy Esplanade (Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount).

The UK recognises that Jerusalem's holy sites hold particular significance for all Christians, Jews and Muslims around the world. As set out to the UN Security Council on 5 January, the UK is committed to working with all parties to maintain calm, avoid provocation and uphold the Status Quo to ensure the safety and the security of the Al Haram Al Sharif / Temple Mount and all who visit there. I [Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon] reiterated this position in my meetings with Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen, Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh and Palestinian Foreign Minister Malki, during my recent visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 10-13 January.