It’s time to criminalise Britain’s West Bank settlement trade
For decades, the UK government has consistently stated that ‘Israeli’ settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. Yet it has taken no action to prevent British trade and financial dealings with businesses operating in the West Bank. Then, in June, former Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper strengthened the government’s guidance to businesses, but still stopped short of introducing a ban. In a statement, she said: “British citizens and businesses should not conduct any economic or financial activities in illegal Israeli settlements… We believe that settlements are a fundamental barrier to peace and a flagrant breach of international law, and…
