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Andy Burnham speaking during the Health Hotel reception at the Hilton Metropole, Brighton, during the Labour Party Conference 2009. File photo, Britain defends ban on West Bank settlement imports as tensions with Israel rise |
LONDON — September 9, 2026
Britain must take action against what it considers injustice, Prime Minister Andy Burnham told parliament on Wednesday as he defended his government's decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Burnham, who took office in July, said Britain had consistently supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He argued that supporting that goal required governments to take practical steps rather than rely only on statements.
The British government announced the import restrictions on Tuesday along with sanctions targeting companies and individuals linked to Israeli settlements. The measures were introduced as Britain, France and Canada sought to increase pressure on Israel over settlement expansion, which the three countries say threatens the possibility of a two-state solution.
Burnham said Britain had to act when people faced what he described as injustice and unfair treatment, including being forced from their homes. He told lawmakers that Britain needed to maintain clear principles despite the wider security challenges facing the world.
The policy represents a significant change in Britain's approach to Israel. The government has faced pressure from some lawmakers to take stronger action over Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank.
Israel responded by ordering Britain to close its consulate in East Jerusalem and restricting 12 British citizens from entering the country. The Israeli government has strongly criticised the British measures.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also welcomed criticism from Kemi Badenoch, leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party. Badenoch accused the Labour government of putting political interests ahead of Britain's national interests in an article published by the Sun newspaper.
Badenoch did not raise the settlement sanctions during her questions to Burnham in parliament on Wednesday. Instead, she focused on Britain's defence spending.
Burnham used the parliamentary session to underline his government's position on the issue. He said Britain would continue to support people it viewed as facing disadvantage and would use its influence internationally where it believed action was necessary.
The dispute highlights growing differences between Britain and Israel over settlement policy. Britain, France and Canada have argued that continued settlement expansion could make a negotiated two-state settlement more difficult, while Israel has rejected international pressure over its policies in the West Bank.
Britain's latest measures and Israel's response have added another point of tension between the two countries as Western governments debate how to respond to developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.
