Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Foreign Secretary spoke to the US Secretary of State immediately before or after his visit to Jerusalem and Ramallah on 30–31 January; what discussions they have had with the government of the United States regarding initiatives to promote (1) peace in the region, and (2) a two-state solution; and what discussions, if any, they have had with the government of Israel to express opposition to (a) further settlement expansion, (b) moves towards annexation, (c) demolitions and evictions, and (d) changes to the status quo at holy sites.

We remain in close contact with international partners, including the US, to promote peace in the region and to de-escalate current tensions. We have a regular dialogue with the Israeli authorities on issues relating to the occupation, and regularly raise our clear opposition to settlement, evictions, demolitions and annexation. We want to see a contiguous West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as part of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 lines. The UK is also committed to working with all parties to uphold the Status Quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to ensure the safety and the security of all who visit and worship there. I reinforced these messages in my meetings with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, and with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Riad Malki, during my visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 10-13 January. Furthermore, the Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories with the US Secretary of State during a call on 12 February.