Ed Miliband has told MPs the British Government agrees that ethnic cleansing of Palestinians is taking place in parts of the West Bank, carried out by “settler terrorists”.
Speaking from the Commons, Mr Miliband cited comments from former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, who described events as “a violent and criminal effort to ethnically cleanse territories in the West Bank”.
Mr Miliband also quoted former Israeli health minister and retired IDF brigadier general Ephraim Sneh, who said: “This is ethnic cleansing, pure and simple.”
The Foreign Secretary said the Israeli Government had “all too often” turned a blind eye to the issue, with some of its members making statements or taking actions that supported the forced displacement of Palestinians.
He acknowledged the gravity of his remarks, but said such language was “the least the people who face such suffering deserve”.
Andy Burnham: Britain will ‘continue to act in support of our values’
Andy Burnham said Britain will “continue to act in support of our values” after his Government announced a raft of sanctions against Israel.
The Prime Minister said: “In an increasingly volatile world, Britain must be willing to lead. The British people expect it, as do our international partners, and I am determined my Government will continue to act in defence of our values.
“Today, we are bringing forward targeted measures aimed not at the Israeli people, but in support of the two-state solution – and the prospect of Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace.
“The suffering of the Palestinian people is a scar on the conscience of the world. Innocent Palestinians, including children, continue to be killed in Gaza. And there is still a humanitarian crisis, with far too little aid getting in.
“That’s why we are acting, and why Britain will continue to act in support of our values.”
Jeremy Corbyn: ‘Israel’s genocide cannot go unpunished’
Jeremy Corbyn said he would “keep speaking up for peace, freedom and justice for the Palestinian people” and “Israel’s genocide cannot go unpunished” after the Israeli government announced he would be banned from entering the country.
Responding to the move announced by Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar, the former Labour leader said: “I have visited all parts of Palestine on several occasions, where I have witnessed the horrors of occupation, as well as the resilience and humanity of the Palestinian people.
“They are the ones who suffer from Israel’s apartheid. It is their freedom which is egregiously curtailed, alongside thousands of Palestinian refugees who are denied the right of return.
“As the world wakes up to the genocide in Gaza, it is shocking that Israel continues to deny entry to UN investigators and international journalists. Israel doesn’t want the world to see what it is doing – but we can never give up in our attempts to expose the truth.
“That is the real scandal. Israel’s genocide cannot go unpunished – and I will keep speaking up for peace, freedom and justice for the Palestinian people.”
Labour is ‘right’ to take strong action with sanctions, says Sadiq Khan
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has said the UK government is “right” to take strong action with the sanctions.
In a social media post, the Mayor of London wrote: “It’s never been clearer: illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land are a significant obstacle to peace.
“With plans for more illegal settlements – and settlers currently inflicting terrible violence against Palestinians on a daily basis with impunity – it’s heartening to see the international community joining the UK in taking a stand and applying more pressure on Israel to recognise and respect the rights of Palestinians.”
Andy Burnham releases joint statement with Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney
The sanctions on Israeli settlers announced today are a “turning point” in protecting the two-state solution, the UK, France and Canada have said.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, and Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, released a joint statement.
The statement read: “A two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is critical for peace, stability and security in the Middle East and beyond. It is a fundamental national interest for the UK, France and Canada to protect and secure this outcome.
“Systematic settlement expansion in the West Bank, including the Government of Israel’s latest decision to progress the E1 settlement, as well as the dramatic increase in settler violence, pose a direct and urgent threat to that vision for peace.
“One year ago, we recognised the State of Palestine. The time has come to take further action to uphold our commitment to protect the two-state solution, our interests and to stand up for our values, before it is too late.
“Settlements are illegal under international law. The UK, France and Canada will therefore take steps to ban the importation of goods from settlements and enforce targeted measures against settlements and those who facilitate them or profit from them.
“In taking this coordinated action we reiterate our desire for a close and productive partnership with Israel, our enduring support for the Israeli people and our unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. We support a safe and secure Israel, living alongside a safe and secure Palestine.
“Today marks a further turning point in our approach to protecting the two-state solution. We will co-chair a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly later this month to advance our efforts and pursue peace.”
‘Today is truly a dark day for British Jews’, says Chief Rabbi of the UK
Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi of the UK, said today is “truly a dark day for British Jews”.
He said: “This is truly a dark day for British Jews. Today our Government has chosen to ignore the deep concerns expressed by so many of us.
“The measures announced amount to little more than political flag bearing for mendacious anti-Israel rhetoric and those who harbour a dangerous obsession with the Jewish State. These measures will succeed only in bolstering the very extremism they seek to target.”
He added: “On the eve of Rosh Hashanah and at a time when our community is more vulnerable than ever to the wave of extremism that has been building over recent years, these sanctions do nothing to advance the cause of peace.
“Nor do they make anyone safer – quite the contrary.
“Gesture politics of this kind feeds into an increasingly hostile discourse about Israel, and the cumulative effect of such punitive policies is to further embolden those, at home and abroad, who use hatred as a weapon against Jews.”
‘Labour contributed significantly to unprecedented rise in antisemitic attacks against British Jews’, claims Israel’s foreign minister
Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, announced a list of countermeasures at a press conference
|GETTY
Israel’s foreign minister has said Labour measures have already contributed significantly to the unprecedented rise in antisemitic attacks, including violent attacks against British Jews.
Announcing a list of countermeasures at a press conference, Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, said: “These measures by the Labour Government in Britain, along with biased and one-sided anti-Israel rhetoric, have already contributed significantly to the unprecedented rise in antisemitic attacks, including violent attacks against British Jews.”
He added: “The decision of the Labour Government also constitutes a gross interference in the electoral process of a sovereign state. This is a blatant and completely unacceptable attempt by a foreign government to exert external influence in the midst of an election campaign.”
Israel closes UK consulate and bans 12 British officials amid Andy Burnham sanctions row
Britain’s consulate in Jerusalem will be closed as a result of Andy Burnham’s decision to fast-track sanctions on West Bank settlements, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar has said.
Israel, which is expected to introduce additional counter-measures, also confirmed the UK will no longer be allowed to participate in the US-led coordination mission for Gaza.
Mr Saar added 12 British officials and other nationals would be banned from entering Israel.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Mr Saar said: “We do not return to our land after 2000 years in order to lose it under the pressure of Islamists, antisemites, jihadists, woke people and people from the extreme left.
“Not only will you not harm us, you will harm yourselves.”
Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott are among 12 MPs banned from travelling to Israel.
‘Absurd and wrong’ for Israel to call Falklands occupied, says Ed Miliband
Senior Israelis characterising the Falkland Islands as “occupied” Argentine territory are “absurd and wrong”, the Foreign Secretary has said.
Ed Miliband said comments by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s hardline public security minister, showed a “complete lack of understanding” and that Falkland Islanders want to be British.
Asked about the comments by Labour MP Alex Ballinger in the Commons on Tuesday, Mr Miliband said: “Obviously these comments are absurd and wrong.
“The Falkland Islands are British and will remain so because that’s what the islanders want.”
Ed Miliband’s sanctions are ‘increasingly punitive and unbalanced’ says Jewish Leadership Council
The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) has just issued a statement following Ed Miliband’s announcement of various sanctions on Israel, describing them as an “increasingly punitive and unbalanced approach towards Israel”.
“The government’s increasingly punitive and unbalanced approach towards Israel does nothing to advance peace, risks harming Jewish life in Britain, and damages the UK’s relationship with a vital ally.
“The Foreign Secretary says that he will not accept the destruction of the two-state solution.
“Yet, through the trade ban announced today, the government is placing the overwhelming responsibility for that on Israel.
“There can be no genuine partner for peace while the Palestinian Authority continues its ‘pay to slay’ policy, handing monthly stipends to the families of terrorists, and while its education system incites violence and antisemitism.
“If the government is genuinely committed to upholding international law, it must be even-handed and recognise that decades of Palestinian terror have been a major contributor to the current situation.
“A ban on trade with goods from settlements also risks becoming a de facto boycott of Israel, giving legitimacy to those who reject Israel’s very existence.
“Indeed, today’s announcement is not about advancing peace or the two-state solution.
“The government is simply yielding to pressure from the most extreme elements of British society.
“They will continue to push the government to take increasingly radical action against Israel, to the detriment of peace in the Middle East and community relations in the UK.
“The left-wing and Islamist extremists the government is trying to appease will never be satisfied, and no responsible government should bend to their demands.
“In the run-up to the High Holy Days, placing this increased target on British Jews is deeply irresponsible.”
Andy Burnham had phone call with Xi Jinping this morning, says No10
Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with China’s leader Xi Jinping this morning, No10 has confirmed.
In a press release, Downing Street said: “The Prime Minister expressed his sincere condolences for the lives lost in recent floods on the Nepal-China border and his appreciation for the rescue efforts and support for British Nationals affected.
“Both leaders affirmed their commitment to a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between the UK and China.
“As Permanent Members of the Security Council and major economies, they discussed the importance of pragmatic cooperation in advancing UK and Chinese interests and addressing shared global challenges.
“They discussed the opportunities in the UK-China relationship including on economic growth and improving living standards for people in both their countries.
“The Prime Minister said that he would engage frankly and constructively on issues that matter for both countries, and raised domestic security, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and consular cases of particular importance.”
Sanctions will ‘strengthen extremist voices’ and ‘provide encouragement to Hamas’, says Israeli leader of opposition
Israel’s leader of the opposition has condemned the UK Government’s sanctions against Israeli settlements.
Yair Lapid said: “The British government’s decision to impose boycotts and sanctions on Israel is a grave mistake. It is a wrong and dangerous policy, at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons.
“The decision made today will strengthen the extremist voices in Israel just before the Knesset elections and provide encouragement to Hamas and the terrorist organisations.
“It is clear to everyone that this is a decision driven by considerations of domestic politics in Britain, where a cynical attack on Israel is used to please disappointed voters.”
‘Innocent Palestinians and Israelis will suffer’, says Tom Tugendhat
Shadow Foreign Secretary Tom Tugendhat has accused the Government of “enacting policies that the Foreign Office knows won’t work”, arguing ministers are pressing ahead despite knowing the sanctions will harm innocent people.
He said: “Just 13 weeks ago, two ministers of this Government, the Right Honorable Member for Lincoln and the Right Honorable Member for Rhonda and Ogbor, wrote to the Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, rejecting this very policy, as the economies of Palestine and Israel are too interconnected, so innocent Palestinians and Israelis will suffer.”
He added: “Still, this Government is pressing on in haste, despite warnings from Dr Peter Prinsley on the benches opposite.
“Also, from the Government’s own reviewer of terror legislation, that turning Israel into a pariah will risk sectarian division in our own country, and risk a further rise in anti-Semitic violence on our own streets.”
Ed Miliband lays out Israeli settler sanctions
Ed Miliband has confirmed the UK will extend its global human rights sanctions regime to target those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law, including in Gaza.
He confirmed the UK would ban the import of goods from illegal settlements and prohibit their advertising.
The Foreign Secretary said further action would be taken on services linked to settlement expansion, as well as on settler violence.
He said Britain would use the UN General Assembly in New York this month to “shine the clearest and harshest spotlight” on the situation.
The Foreign Secretary said the UK would work with Jordan to convene countries around the world in a call for action on health and humanitarian access.
He added Britain would also lend its voice to a growing coalition of countries, led by Arab partners, calling for full implementation of the US-led 20-point plan.
Mr Miliband said the Government would continue to judge Israel “by its actions” as the newly announced measures are implemented.
Two-station solution remains UK’s ‘north star’, says Ed Miliband
Ed Miliband has told MPs securing a two-state solution remains the “North Star” of the Government’s Middle East policy, while admitting deep “shame” over how events in Gaza and the West Bank have unfolded.
He said Gaza had witnessed “the most unimaginable trauma and suffering” over the past three years, describing the scale of “death, destruction, and dehumanization” as “a stain on the conscience of the world and of this country too”.
On the West Bank, Miliband pointed to comments from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing him of seeking to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state”.
He said there was a “deeply painful contrast” between Britain’s stated commitment to a two-state solution and the reality unfolding on the ground.
I am proud of my Jewishness, says Ed Miliband
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband begun his speech in the Commons by stating that Israel has “every right” to defend itself, following the October 7 attacks.
He said: “October 7 makes plain the grave threats that Israel faces, and it has every right to defend itself.
“We should not only condemn those threats, but act against those who carry them out, Iran continues to threaten Israel and Jews across the world.
“We have already designated Iran’s IRGC, and we will do more today on Iran’s proxy groups.
“So today, I can also announce we are sanctioning Lebanese Hezbollah’s financing arm, Al Qaeda al-Hassan. Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, so we are also acting this week to report Iran to the UN Security Council for its nuclear violations alongside our allies.
“And I can announce today that we are also reimposing major economic sanctions on Iran in line with the European Union and the United States.”
He continued: “I am proud of my Jewishness and unwavering in my support for the state of Israel. And there is absolutely no contradiction between this and my support for the state of Palestine.”
Israel wants to recognise Falkland Islands as Argentine territory, says Emily Thornberry
Dame Emily Thornberry said the Israeli national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said Israel should recognise the Falkland Islands as an Argentine territory.
Speaking in the Commons during an urgent question on the Falklands, Dame Emily said: “Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir says it’s time for the State of Israel to publicly recognise the Falkland Islands as Argentine territory under occupation.
“He claims Britain isn’t simply occupying the territory, but that by drilling for oil there, we’re stealing money from the Argentine people.
“Does he know the Argentine Government agrees with him? They’ve filed criminal complaints against Navitas Petroleum, an Israeli company.
“Does he know that very company was happy to sign a deal with the UK to explore the Sea Lion oil project in the British Falkland Islands? Or was Ben-Gvir simply too busy thinking up new ways to inflict cruelty on the Palestinian people?”
Kirsty McNeill responded: “We completely and utterly reject the characterisation that the honourable lady describes. The UK supports the right of the Falkland Islands to develop their natural resources for their own economic benefit — this is an absolutely integral part of their self-determination.
“The decision by the Falkland Islands Government to pursue hydrocarbon production is a commercial decision for them to take, alongside the commercial companies involved.”
‘No doubt Falkland Islands are British’, says foreign minister
Speaking in the Commons as MPs press the Government on the Falkland Islands, minister of state, Kirsty McNeill, said “there can be no doubt the Falkland Islands are British for as long as they want to be”.
This comes as Argentina’s President Javier Milei said he would sanction oil companies drilling in the British overseas territory.
An urgent question was posed to the Government in light of the heating tensions between Argentina and Britain.
Ms McNeill continued: “The UK also supports the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their natural resources for their own economic benefit.
“This is an integral part of their right to self-determination. This is not the first time the Argentine governments have made economic threats against the islanders.”
Jeremy Corbyn calls for public inquiry into ‘Britain’s complicity in crimes against humanity’
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has chimed in on the Israeli settler sanction row, calling for a public inquiry into “Britain’s complicity in crimes against humanity”.
In a letter to Andy Burnham, he detailed five demands for the Prime Minister, including ending all military cooperation with Israel, impose “widespread sanctions”, as well as calling for a public inquiry “into British complicity in genocide”.
Writing on X, the MP for Islington North said: “Today marks 50 days since Andy Burnham took office.
“I have written to him to demand that he finally recognises the genocide in Gaza, imposes a full arms embargo, and establishes a public inquiry into Britain’s complicity in crimes against humanity.”
Conservatives to force Commons votes on puberty blocker trials ban for children
The Conservative Party is set to force votes in Parliament on banning clinical trials of puberty blockers for children and protecting single-sex hospital wards.
Shadow minister for women and equalities Joy Morrissey told GB News the amendments aim to stop under-18s being included in puberty blocker trials.
She argued ministers should instead examine data on children already prescribed the drugs to establish their long-term effects.
The MP for Beaconsfield also said the proposals would guarantee protected single-sex spaces within the NHS, describing this as “common sense”, while predicting Labour MPs would vote against both measures.
US Government preparing statement condemning UK’s sanctions on Israel
The US Government is drafting a statement about Britain’s Israeli settler sanctions.
It is understood the US State Department will condemn the sanctions in the statement, which is due to be released later today, the Telegraph reports.
The statement is expected to echo the sentiment of US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who described the sanctions as “discrimination”.
It could possibly include threats of retaliation.
Israeli settlement sanctions ‘will embolden antisemitic hate crimes in UK’, says Richard Tice
Reform UK’s Richard Tice has weighed in on criticism of the Government’s proposed Israeli settlement sanctions, saying they “will embolden antisemitic hate crimes” in Britain.
Writing on X, Mr Tice said: “Sanctions imposed by this hard left, anti-Jew Burnham Government against Israel: 1) Will embolden antisemitic hate crimes in UK.
“2) Are damaging to our international standing with US & Israel, two of our most important security partners It is self destructive virtue signalling that will make us less safe.”
US ambassador to Israel calls out Andy Burnham’s settlement sanctions
Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, has issued a veiled warning to the UK, accusing Andy Burnham’s Government of Jewish discrimination over its sanctions on Israeli settlements.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Huckabee said: “I feel like it’s a discrimination against the Israeli government. It is a discrimination against the Jewish people and I don’t understand the rationale of it.”
He added: “It’s like throwing a stone and not having an idea of where it’s going to land. The UK is a sovereign country, they can do what they want, but so is the US.”
Chris Philp: Britain should be a country where people can speak freely ‘without fear of intimidation’
Chris Philp MP said Britain should be a country where people can express strong views on immigration “without any fear of repercussions or intimidation”, insisting this would mean protesters no longer feel the need to cover their faces.
This follows fierce condemnation of protesters in Portsmouth and Dover, who covered their faces during demonstrations.
He said: “You don’t hear the same criticism if it is Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil or the Gaza protests. So, I think there is an element of double standards.”
The Shadow Home Secretary said he personally shares the view immigration “should be a lot lower” and “illegal immigration should be zero”.
He added: “Anyone should be able to express those views publicly and freely without fear of intimidation. That’s the kind of society I want to see us living in.”
Labour ‘putting party political interests’ over what is best for nation, says Chris Philp
The Conservatives has said they do not support the proposed sanctions against the Israeli West Bank, which the Government will lay out later today.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told GB News that it is difficult to decipher which goods are produced in the West Bank.
He also said the move is Labour “putting party political interests” ahead of what is best for the country, as he accused Labour of attempting to appeal to Green voters.
Mr Philp said: “This is simply performative posturing by the Labour Government.
“They’re really doing it for domestic political reasons, aren’t they? They’re trying to shore up votes on the left and get votes back from the Green Party. That’s why they’re doing it.”
UK commits £100million to Ukraine to bolster defences over winter
The UK has committed £100million to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences over winter, funding Patriot missiles, defence interceptors, large-calibre artillery rounds and drones.
The package forms part of the UK’s contribution to Nato’s prioritised list of Ukraine’s military requirements.
It comes as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting prepares to co-chair his first Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting alongside German counterpart Boris Pistorius today.
Britain REFUSES Jamaica’s £7.6bn slavery reparations demand as delegation descends on Buckingham Palace
Britain has refused Jamaica’s £7.6billion reparations demand after a delegation descended on Buckingham Palace to pursue redress over the transatlantic slave trade.
The Jamaican delegation formally submitted a petition on Monday calling on King Charles, who is the country’s head of state, to refer a series of legal questions surrounding slavery and reparations to the Privy Council.
The group described the move as the first time a Commonwealth nation had pursued the legal avenue “for the cause of reparatory justice”.
But Downing Street swiftly ruled out Britain paying reparations.