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Import Controls: Israeli Settlements

Asked by Chris LawScottish National PartyDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 25 September 2025UIN 75105

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has conducted an assessment of the potential impact of the Israeli E1 settlement plan on the requirement under the Open General Impost Licence not to import goods from the illegally Occupied West Bank.

Answered by Chris Bryant

The UK strongly opposes the Israeli government's E1 settlement plans, which would divide a future Palestinian state in two and mark a flagrant breach of international law. The Israeli government must reverse this decision. Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are not eligible for preferential treatment under UK trade agreements. The Government’s overseas business risk guidance outlines the risks of economic activity in settlements and advises businesses to seek legal advice. The Government does not encourage or support such activity, and its guidance enables businesses to make informed decisions.

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