Israel: Occupied Territories
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to prevent JCB equipment being used by the Israeli Government in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. We have guidance on gov.uk that states there are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. UK citizens and businesses should be aware of the potential reputational implications of involvement in economic and financial activities in settlements, as well as possible abuses of the rights of individuals that such activity may entail. Those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.
The Government also supports voluntary due diligence approaches taken by UK businesses to identify and prevent human rights abuses, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
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