London: Britain should accelerate efforts to cut economic ties with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, aligning with a European push against settlement trade, according to the chair of the UK Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Emily Thornberry believes that the country's incoming leadership has a chance to adopt a firmer stance on the matter.
According to Anadolu Agency, Thornberry, speaking in Westminster, urged the next prime minister, likely to be Andy Burnham, to ensure the UK provides no financial or commercial support to settlements, which she claims entrench Israel's occupation and hinder the prospects for a Palestinian state. Burnham is expected to be confirmed as the next Labour Party leader on July 17, officially taking over as prime minister from Keir Starmer on July 20 after meeting King Charles III.
Thornberry stated, "My advice, if Andy Burnham wanted to hear it, would be that we should be ... moving much faster to find a way in which we can ensure that we do not put any money, any resources, any insurance, any finance, any goods, anything to help with the (illegal Israeli settlement) development in the West Bank, and we buy no goods from the West Bank."
Her remarks come amid Israel's plans to expand settlements in the E1 corridor, a move seen internationally as a significant threat to a future Palestinian state's viability. The area lies between occupied East Jerusalem and the illegal Israeli settlement of Ma'ale Adumim, where Israel plans to build new housing units and infrastructure.
Thornberry emphasized that international patience over the expansion of illegal settlements is waning, especially amid concerns about Israeli actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. She urged Britain to join countries like the Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Belgium in adopting tougher measures against settlement-linked trade.
Thornberry cited international law as a basis for action, referencing the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion, which calls on the global community to avoid economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning Occupied Palestinian Territory. She also noted that Britain already distinguishes between Israel and the occupied territories in its trade arrangements.
Regarding Burnham's potential approach, Thornberry noted his evolving stance on Israel and Palestine. Historically aligned with mainstream Labour policy, Burnham has supported a two-state solution and opposed illegal settlements. His position shifted further after conflicts in Gaza, as he called for a ceasefire in 2023 and later advocated for British recognition of a Palestinian state.
Recently, Burnham apologized for Labour's initial response to Israel's actions in Gaza, promising a tougher approach toward the Israeli government if he becomes prime minister. Speaking to The Guardian, he acknowledged the need for the party to improve its handling of the Gaza conflict.
Thornberry also reflected on a missed diplomatic opportunity following Donald Trump's election, suggesting that his influence could have advanced a Middle East peace initiative. However, she noted that international focus shifted to the Russia-Ukraine war, resulting in a lost chance to leverage Trump's influence.