How Britain is moving towards a ban on Israeli settlement goods

How Britain is moving towards a ban on Israeli settlement goods The UK could soon impose a ban on the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements, according to MPs from various parties, including from the ruling Labour Party, who are pressing for stronger action. A significant shift in British policy now appears highly plausible in the near future – even likely – the sources told Middle East Eye. According to several people close to the government, Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer told Labour MPs late last year that a ban on settlement goods is desirable. The ultimate decision, however, lies with Downing Street. Two years ago, Labour's position was that there could be no sanctions or boycotts against Israel. This view has since changed fundamentally. Ministers accept that a ban on settlement goods would be consistent with the British position on the occupied territories, sources said. The mood is also shifting across Europe. France and Sweden recently put forward a proposal calling on the European Union to enforce strict import controls on settlement goods. The Netherlands also banned trade in goods from the occupied territories last month. Read more: How Britain is moving towards a ban on Israeli settlement goods Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure to change course on Israel (AFP)

The UK could soon impose a ban on the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements, according to MPs from various parties, including from the ruling Labour Party, who are pressing for stronger action.

A significant shift in British policy now appears highly plausible in the near future – even likely – the sources told Middle East Eye.

According to several people close to the government, Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer told Labour MPs late last year that a ban on settlement goods is desirable.

The ultimate decision, however, lies with Downing Street.

Two years ago, Labour's position was that there could be no sanctions or boycotts against Israel. This view has since changed fundamentally.

Ministers accept that a ban on settlement goods would be consistent with the British position on the occupied territories, sources said.

The mood is also shifting across Europe. France and Sweden recently put forward a proposal calling on the European Union to enforce strict import controls on settlement goods.

The Netherlands also banned trade in goods from the occupied territories last month.