Information between 5th April 2024 - 15th April 2024
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Monday 15th April 2024 Cabinet Office Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond (Yorks)) Ministerial statement - Main Chamber Subject: Iran/Israel update View calendar |
Monday 15th April 2024 Leader of the House Lord True (Conservative - Life peer) Statement - Main Chamber Subject: Iran/Israel Update View calendar |
Select Committee Documents |
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Monday 15th April 2024
Written Evidence - The Migration Observatory UKR0008 - Asylum Accommodation and UK-Rwanda partnership Public Accounts Committee Found: Moving under Threats: The Treacherous Journeys of Refugees who ‘Voluntary’ Departed from Israel |
Tuesday 26th March 2024
Oral Evidence - Bates Wells LLP, and International Association of Privacy Professionals UK-EU data adequacy - European Affairs Committee Found: introduction of data protection officers is a proposal that is currently under consideration in Israel |
Tuesday 26th March 2024
Oral Evidence - Sky News, and Sky News The future of news: impartiality, trust and technology - Communications and Digital Committee Found: That is what we want them to do, whether it is on the ground in Israel, Westminster, America, Manchester |
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Official Visits
Asked by: Richard Burgon (Labour - Leeds East) Tuesday 16th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how many foreign officials have been granted special mission status to visit the UK in each year since 2011; and if he will list the (a) names and (b) country of origin of those officials. Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) As set out in 2013 by the former Foreign Secretary William Hague, a special mission is a 'temporary mission, representing a state, which is sent by one state to another with the consent of the latter, in order to carry out official engagements on behalf of the sending state'. Since starting to issue special mission status (SMS) certificates in 2013, the FCDO has given consent for 57 special mission status visits to the UK for the following officials and their delegations:
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Israel: Palestinians
Asked by: Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool, Walton) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 entitled Anatomy of a Genocide, published on 25 March 2024, A/HRC/55/73. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas in line with International Humanitarian Law, as we have said from the outset. Our view is that Israel's actions in Gaza cannot be described as a genocide, but we also remain clear that formal determination of genocide should be based upon the final judgment of a competent court. There must be a reduction in civilian casualties. All parties must act within International Humanitarian Law. We want to see Israel take greater care to limit its operations to military targets and avoid harming civilians and destroying homes. |
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Israel: Arms Trade
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of suspending the Government’s (a) trade agreements and (b) arms licenses with Israel. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) The UK's strategic partnership with Israel includes trade. As the Secretary of State for Business and Trade told the House on 7 March, Israel remains a part of the FTA programme, negotiations continue, and she has recently discussed with the Israeli Minister of Economy our existing trading relationship as well as how Israel is managing the challenges of working on an FTA while fighting a war. All export license applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. |
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Hamas: Sexual Offences
Asked by: Lord Turnberg (Labour - Life peer) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of allegations of rape of Israeli women by members of Hamas in its attack on 7 October 2023, and the implications for international law. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) Reports of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023 detail abhorrent acts of violence against Israeli women and girls. The UK stands in solidarity with all of the victims and survivors. We condemn sexual violence unequivocally and without exception. These reports must be fully investigated to ensure justice for survivors and victims. The international community should be clear in condemning sexual violence wherever it occurs, including in Israel. Conflict-related sexual violence is an abuse of human rights and when perpetrated in the context of an armed conflict, can constitute a violation of international humanitarian law such as a war crime. |
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Gaza: UNRWA
Asked by: Marquess of Lothian (Conservative - Life peer) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have spoken to Israeli authorities concerning the incident on 18 March when Philippe Lazzarini, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Commissioner-General of UNRWA, was denied entry to Gaza; and what assessment they have made of the incident. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) We are aware of the situation referenced in the question. The UK Government continues to press Israel for increased access for aid, an expansion of the types of aid allowed into Gaza, and for increased capacity inside Gaza. |
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Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
Asked by: Alan Brown (Scottish National Party - Kilmarnock and Loudoun) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2024 to Question 19633 on Gaza: Humanitarian Aid, if he will publish a detailed plan on the alternative routes the UK has planned for ensuring aid gets into Gaza; and what contingencies he has in place should aid not be delivered. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) On 5 April, Israel committed to significant steps to increase the amount of aid getting to Gaza. The UK has urged Israel to take these steps for a long time and they are welcome. We are working to get aid through these new humanitarian routes as soon as possible. To date, UK funding has supported the work of partners including the British Red Cross, World Food Programme, UNICEF and Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS) to deliver vital supplies. We continue to call for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. |
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Gaza: Food Aid
Asked by: Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool, Walton) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with reference to the news story by the UN entitled Israel tells UN it will reject UNRWA food convoys into northern Gaza, published on 24 March 2024, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the Israeli government's decision to no longer approve the passage of any UNRWA food convoys into northern Gaza. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) We want to see Israel increase capacity inside Gaza and fully enable the UN's minimal operating requirements, including by allowing visas, telecommunications equipment, armoured vehicles, trucks and personal protective equipment. In addition, we have called on Israel to increase access for aid and expand the types of aid allowed into Gaza. |
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Gaza: Hospitals
Asked by: Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour - Tooting) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the situation at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza in relation to the ongoing Israeli military operations in the area. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) We have been clear that all parties must afford civilians the protection that is their right under international law. That includes respecting the sanctity of hospitals, so that doctors can continue to care for the sick and injured. Israel must take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities. |
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Gaza: Hospitals
Asked by: Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour - Tooting) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what representations his Department are making to the Israeli government on safe evacuation from al-Shifa hospital complex. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) We have been clear that all parties must afford civilians the protection that is their right under international law. That includes respecting the sanctity of hospitals, so that doctors can continue to care for the sick and injured. Israel must take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities. |
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Gaza: Hospitals
Asked by: Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour - Tooting) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he is taking diplomatic steps to ensure the protection of medical staff who are trapped in al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) We have been clear that all parties must afford civilians the protection that is their right under international law. That includes respecting the sanctity of hospitals, so that doctors can continue to care for the sick and injured. Israel must take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities. |
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UNRWA: Finance
Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll and Bute) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the decision of Finland to resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) The UK was appalled by allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism that the UK Government has repeatedly condemned. We are aware that the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services and Catherine Colonna have now provided their interim reports to the UN Secretary-General. We want UNRWA to give detailed undertakings about changes in personnel, policy and precedents to ensure this can never happen again. Our decision to pause future funding to UNRWA has no impact on the UK's contribution to the humanitarian response. |
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Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that Israel allows the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide humanitarian aid to northern Gaza. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have underlined the need for Israel to ensure effective deconfliction in Gaza, open a crossing in northern Gaza and increase capacity inside Gaza, as well as fully enable the UN's minimal operating requirements, including by allowing visas, telecommunications equipment, armoured vehicles, trucks and personal protective equipment. |
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UNRWA: Finance
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether the Government plans to resume funding for UNRWA following the decisions of (a) Canada, (b) Australia, (c) Sweden and (d) Finland to resume their funding for that organisation. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) We are appalled by allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism that the UK Government has repeatedly condemned. We have paused any future funding of UNRWA. We remain committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it, including through other UN agencies and British charities. Our decision to pause future funding to UNRWA has no impact on the UK's contribution to the humanitarian response. We are aware that the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services and Catherine Colonna have now provided their interim reports to the UN Secretary-General. We want UNRWA to give detailed undertakings about changes in personnel, policy and precedents to ensure this can never happen again. We are working with allies to try to bring this situation to a rapid conclusion, not least because UNRWA has a vital role to play in providing aid and services in Gaza. |
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Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what representations he has made to the Israeli government since it announced it would open a new aid crossing into northern Gaza; and what steps he plans to take to help (a) prevent starvation of Palestinian citizens and (b) ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) Palestinians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis. The UK is playing a leadership role in alleviating that suffering. We are doing everything we can to get more aid in as quickly as possible by land, sea and air. On 20 March, the Foreign Secretary announced the UK has funded WFP to provide 2000 tons of food aid, enough to feed 275,000 people in Gaza. For example, on 20 March, the Royal Air Force airdropped 10 tonnes of food aid - including water, rice and baby food - directly to civilians in Gaza. The British Government has pressed Israeli counterparts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. On 5th April Israel committed to significant steps to increase the amount of aid getting to Gaza, including allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid through the Port of Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint. The UK has urged Israel to take these steps for a long time and they are welcome. We are resolved that the international community will work with Israel to see these vital changes fully implemented. |
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Gaza: Humanitarian Situation
Asked by: Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool, Walton) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the update from the United Nations entitled Gaza: UN aid team reaches stricken north, confirms shocking disease and hunger, published on 22 March 2024. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) The British Government has pressed Israeli counterparts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. On 5th April Israel committed to significant steps to increase the amount of aid getting to Gaza, including allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid through the Port of Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint. The UK has urged Israel to take these steps for a long time and they are welcome. We are resolved that the international community will work with Israel to see these vital changes fully implemented. Palestinians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis. The UK is playing a leadership role in alleviating that suffering. We are doing everything we can to get more aid in as quickly as possible by land, sea and air. For example, on 20 March, the Foreign Secretary announced the UK has funded WFP to provide 2000 tons of food aid, enough to feed 275,000 people in Gaza. |
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Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
Asked by: Alan Brown (Scottish National Party - Kilmarnock and Loudoun) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2024 Question 19633 on Gaza: Humanitarian Aid, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the additional border crossings; and whether he has sought assurances from Israel on compliance with opening a crossing in northern Gaza. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) Palestinians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis. The British Government have pressed Israeli counterparts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. On 5th April Israel committed to significant steps to increase the amount of aid getting to Gaza, including allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid through the Port of Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint. The UK has urged Israel to take these steps for a long time and they are welcome. We are resolved that the international community will work with Israel to see these vital changes fully implemented. |
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Gaza: Hospitals
Asked by: Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour - Tooting) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether his Department has sought legal advice on Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of Israeli military operations targeting the al-Shifa hospital complex. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) We have been clear that all parties must afford civilians the protection that is their right under international law. That includes respecting the sanctity of hospitals, so that doctors can continue to care for the sick and injured. Israel must take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities. We keep advice on Israel's adherence to International Humanitarian Law under review. |
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Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
Asked by: Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool, Walton) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the news release from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights entitled Attacks on the humanitarian aid distribution system, published on 22 March 2024. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) It is imperative that those doing life-saving work are properly protected. The Foreign Secretary has called on Israel to reform its deconfliction mechanism to ensure the safety of aid workers and to make progress on the UN's minimal operating requirements, including more visas and driver approvals granted, as well as more trucks permitted to cross into Gaza. |
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Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
Asked by: Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool, Walton) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to help ensure the protection of (a) Palestinians and (b) humanitarian workers during the distribution of aid in Gaza. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) It is imperative that those doing life-saving work are properly protected. The Foreign Secretary has called on Israel to reform its deconfliction mechanism to ensure the safety of aid workers and to make progress on the UN's minimal operating requirements, including more visas and driver approvals granted, as well as more trucks permitted to cross into Gaza. |
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Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
Asked by: Stephen Morgan (Labour - Portsmouth South) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make representations to the Israeli government on the potential merits of enabling a neutral humanitarian organisation to (a) conduct checks on aid and (b) facilitate the opening of more land routes. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) We have set out very clearly the steps that Israel needs to take, including an immediate humanitarian pause to get more aid in and the hostages out; increased capacity inside Gaza and fully enabling the UN's minimal operating requirements, including by allowing visas, telecommunications equipment, armoured vehicles, trucks and personal protective equipment; as well as increased access for aid through land routes, including the scaling up of the Jordan corridor, with a streamlined screening and delivery process, the opening of a crossing in northern Gaza, Ashdod Port fully open for aid delivery and increased screening capacity at Kerem Shalom and Nitzana to seven days a week and extended hours. We also need to see an expansion of the types of aid allowed into Gaza and the provision of electricity, water and telecommunications, to both the north and the south of Gaza. |
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Israel: Arms Trade
Asked by: Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool, Walton) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which arms export licences are for end-use by Israeli (a) military and (b) security forces. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) HM Government publishes data on export licensing decisions on a quarterly basis in the Official Statistics, including data on outcome, end user destination, overall value, type (e.g. military, other) and a summary of the items covered by these licences. This data is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/strategic-export-controls-licensing-data. The most recent Official Statistics cover the period 1 April - 30 June 2023. Information regarding export licensing decisions made between 1 October - 31 December 2023 will be published after April 2024 and information regarding export licensing decisions made between 1 January - 31 March 2024 will be published later this year. |
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Palestinians: Detainees
Asked by: Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool, Walton) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the appeal by Israel-based civil society groups to the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment relating to the alleged (a) torture and (b) inhumane treatment of Palestinian detainees, published on 16 February 2024. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) We are concerned by reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli military detention. The UK Government is clear that administrative detention should only be used when it is justified in accordance with international law. Those under detention should either be charged or released. We are committed to working with Israel to secure improvements in its detention practices. |
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Israel Defense Forces: British Nationals Abroad
Asked by: Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour - Slough) Monday 15th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether his Department issues guidance to UK nationals on volunteering with the Israeli Defence Force. Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development) The UK recognises the right of British nationals with more than one nationality to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of their additional nationalities. This includes the Israel Defence Force. Our travel advice for those considering travel to all countries, including Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, is updated regularly and available online. |
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Israel Defense Forces: British Nationals Abroad
Asked by: Baroness Warsi (Conservative - Life peer) Friday 12th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of British nationals travelling to Israel to fight in the Israel Defence Forces. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) The UK recognises the right of British nationals with more than one nationality to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of their additional nationalities. This includes the Israel Defence Force. With respect to the current conflict in Gaza, Section 4 of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 makes it an offence for a British subject to enlist in the military of a foreign state at war with another foreign state with which the UK is at peace. That prohibition does not extend, however, to enlistment in a foreign government's forces which are engaged in a civil war or combating terrorism or internal uprisings. The Occupied Palestinian Territories are not currently recognised as a state by the UK. The 1870 Act therefore does not apply in this instance. |
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Israel Defense Forces: British Nationals Abroad
Asked by: Baroness Warsi (Conservative - Life peer) Friday 12th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government what arrangements are in place to engage with British nationals returning to the UK after serving in the Israel Defence Forces to ascertain whether they have been involved in any breaches to the Geneva Convention. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) The UK recognises the right of British nationals with more than one nationality to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of their additional nationalities. This includes the Israel Defence Force. Anyone who travels to conflict zones to engage in unlawful activity should expect to be investigated upon their return to the UK. Decisions on prosecutions are taken independently by the police and Crown Prosecution Service on a case-by-case basis. |
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Israel Defense Forces: British Nationals Abroad
Asked by: Baroness Warsi (Conservative - Life peer) Friday 12th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any risk posed to national security and national cohesion of returning British nationals who have served in the Israel Defence Forces. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) The UK recognises the right of British nationals with more than one nationality to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of their additional nationalities. This includes the Israel Defence Force. Anyone who travels to conflict zones to engage in unlawful activity should expect to be investigated upon their return to the UK. Decisions on prosecutions are taken independently by the police and Crown Prosecution Service on a case-by-case basis. |
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Israel Defense Forces: British Nationals Abroad
Asked by: Baroness Warsi (Conservative - Life peer) Friday 12th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government how many British or dual British nationals are currently serving in the Israel Defence Forces. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) We are aware of reports of UK citizens travelling to fight for the Israel Defence Force (IDF), but the Government does not estimate the numbers of those who have done so. The UK recognises the right of British nationals with more than one nationality to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of their additional nationalities. |
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Israel: Hamas
Asked by: Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour - Life peer) Tuesday 9th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government what further steps they will take, along with international partners, to secure a ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) The Government has long been calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. The UK welcomed the UN Security Council Resolution 2728 on 25 March, which reflects international consensus behind the UK's position. Vital elements for a lasting peace include:
The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have reiterated these messages in their contacts with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior Israeli political leaders, as well as leaders in Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia Lebanon, Egypt, and the UAE in recent weeks. |
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Israel: Palestinians
Asked by: Baroness Deech (Crossbench - Life peer) Tuesday 9th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of support among Arab residents of Jerusalem for Israeli control of the city; and to what extent this is a consideration for their policy towards Israel and Palestine. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) We have not made a specific assessment of this. We support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. A political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution is one of the vital elements for a lasting peace, with Jerusalem as shared capital of both Israel and Palestine. |
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Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Worcester (Bishops - Bishops) Tuesday 9th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government what barriers exist to the unfettered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and what steps they are taking to remove those barriers. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) We have set out five steps that Israel needs to take, including:
The Foreign Secretary has appointed a Representative for Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Mark Bryson-Richardson. He is based in the region and is working intensively to address the blockages preventing more aid reaching Gaza. |
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Hamas
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Southwark (Bishops - Bishops) Monday 8th April 2024 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to impede Hamas acquiring or retaining the resources to make war. Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) As we have said, removing Hamas' capacity to launch attacks against Israel and Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza are among the vital elements for a lasting peace. The UK has already imposed sanctions on key figures in Hamas' leadership, disrupting the terrorist group's financial networks which sustain their operation, including from Iran. A third tranche of sanctions was announced by FCDO in January. On 27 March the UK announced further sanctions on individuals linked to a Hamas-supporting media network. The UK continues to work closely with our partners to identify further opportunities to disrupt Hamas' financial networks, including cutting off access to funding being used to carry out atrocities. |
Parliamentary Research |
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The UK and the US$100 billion climate finance goal - CBP-9999
Apr. 09 2024 Found: This would include Israel, Qatar, Singapo re, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who |
Petitions |
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Hold a referendum on the UK's relationship with Israel Petition Open - 47 SignaturesSign this petition 15 Oct 2024 closes in 5 months, 2 weeks We want the Government to hold a referendum to give the public a choice between: Found: a) ceasing all support for Israel and condemning them internationally b) continuing with current relationship |
British citizens who fight in the foreign conflicts should face criminal charges Petition Rejected - 6 SignaturesWe call on the UK government to ensure that UK citizens implicated in violations of laws of armed conflict abroad are prosecuted. It's crucial that British nationals committing crimes overseas face trial in UK courts following a comprehensive investigation process. This petition was rejected on 12th Apr 2024 as it duplicates an existing petitionFound: Since the Occupied Palestinian Territories aren't recognized as a state by the UK and Israel hasn't declared |
Safeguard UK in the EU by rejoining all aspects of the European Union Petition Rejected - 8 SignaturesIn todays climate, we see conflicts such as Israel and Hammas/ Ukraine and Russia and then add in the constant terrorist threat and looming outright threat to national safety by standing alone. Rejoining the EU safeguards us so much more than alone, Let us vote on facts and clear honest reasons! This petition was rejected on 10th Apr 2024 as it duplicates an existing petitionFound: In todays climate, we see conflicts such as Israel and Hammas/ Ukraine and Russia and then add in the |
UN Peacekeeping Intervention Israel/Palestine Petition Rejected - 8 SignaturesWe the people, demand that the United Kingdom Government invoke Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, to bring an end to the war in Israel/Palestine through the deployment of a UN Peacekeeping Mission. This petition was rejected on 9th Apr 2024 as it duplicates an existing petitionFound: elected government, will invoke Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, to bring an end to the war in Israel |
Department Publications - Statistics |
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Thursday 11th April 2024
Ministry of Defence Source Page: International defence expenditure: 2023 Document: (ODS) Found: 53.6 9 South Korea 46.4 10 Japan 46 11 Ukraine 44 12 Italy 33.5 13 Australia 32.3 14 Canada 26.9 15 Israel |
Scottish Government Publications |
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Monday 15th April 2024
Health and Social Care Finance, Digital and Governance Directorate Source Page: Correspondence relating to the resignation of Professor Jason Leitch: FOI release Document: FOI 202400404239 - Information Released - Annex C (PDF) Found: large international charities, the Nazareth Trust which runs a hospital and nursing school in Northern Israel |
Friday 12th April 2024
Source Page: UK arms sales to Israel: letter to Lord Ahmad Document: UK arms sales to Israel: letter to Lord Ahmad (webpage) Found: UK arms sales to Israel: letter to Lord Ahmad |
Thursday 11th April 2024
External Affairs Directorate Source Page: Donations to UNRWA for Gaza: FOI release Document: FOI 202400396149 - Information Released - Annex A (PDF) Found: This morning, Friday 13/10/23 Israel Defence Forces gave notice of its intention to mount a ground offensive |