Full Breakdown
UK Labour MPs Call for Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements
6/8/2026, 11:01:31 PM
Call for Trade Ban
On 7 June, over 140 Labour MPs wrote to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urging Britain to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. They cite the E1 housing project, which would split the territory, as a reason for urgent action.
E1 Settlement Expansion
Since the October 2023 Gaza war, Israel has approved construction sites and the E1 plan for over 3,000 homes between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, which would bisect the West Bank. The ICJ’s 2024 advisory opinion urges states not to trade with occupied Palestinian territory. Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Slovenia have enacted or are drafting bans on settlement-origin goods.
Key Figures
Signatories include all Labour select-committee chairs—Health Secretary-in-waiting Wes Streeting, former leadership hopefuls Clive Lewis and Jess Philips, and Foreign Affairs chair Emily Thornberry—coordinated by Melanie Ward. Labour holds 402 of 650 Commons seats; the letter lists 137-140 MPs. The UK has sanctioned Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir and banned trade with Crimea, providing a precedent for a settlement-trade ban.
Government Response
A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said Britain repeatedly condemned settler violence and the expansion of illegal settlements, and noted sanctions on Israeli officials. The ministry declined comment on any trade ban or sanctions, while reaffirming calls for Israel to curb settler-led violence.
Criticism of Inaction
Labour MPs claim the government has taken “no further action” since pledges to curb settlement expansion. Wes Streeting said his attempts to raise Gaza concerns felt like “hitting up against a brick wall.” Melanie Ward warned a property fair promoting settlement land would be “apartheid and annexation with a sales pitch.”
Signatory Count Discrepancy
Sources vary on signatory numbers: the Straits Times cites 137 MPs, the Jerusalem Post and LabourList say “more than 140,” and The National notes “nearly 140.” Differences stem from reporting dates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The letter reads: “There is an urgent need for accountability and concrete consequences in response to Israel’s violations against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are spiralling by the day.” — Labour MPs, open letter
- “Settlement expansion and annexation in the occupied West Bank has escalated exponentially,” — Labour MPs, open letter
- “This isn't a property fair. It's apartheid and annexation with a sales pitch,” — Kristyan Benedict, Amnesty International UK
- “We believe ending trade with settlements is a vital next step.” — Labour MPs, open letter
What’s Next
Nine western nations, including the UK, are drafting a sanctions package targeting firms involved in the E1 project. The UK is expected to outline penalties and may extend its settlement-trade ban framework without new legislation. Diplomatic talks aim to align the UK response with EU partners, though unanimity remains uncertain.
