Occupied Territories: Overseas Companies
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UN report entitled A/HRC/59/23: From economy of occupation to economy of genocide - Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, published on 16 June 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the report on (a) UK-based companies and (b) companies with UK government contracts listed in the report.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
No formal assessment has been made. We are of the clear view that Israel must fully respect International Humanitarian Law and should bring an end to its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) as rapidly as possible - this must be done in a way that creates the conditions for negotiations towards the two-state solution. The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the OPTs are illegal under international law. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for tariff or trade preferences under UK agreements with Israel or the Palestinian Authority. The UK does not support economic or financial activities in these settlements due to associated risks. Businesses are advised to seek legal counsel before engaging in such activities. Official guidance on handling goods from Israel and the OPTs is available on gov.uk to help UK operators make informed decisions.
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