Martin attended a Statement on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to call on the FCDO minister, Hamish Falconer MP, to recognise Palestine and also to ask the minister for an update on what negotiations are taking place with other countries to sanction Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.
You can read Martin's question and the minister's reply below.
Martin Vickers
I have spoken on a number of occasions in recent weeks about recognition of Palestine, and I put on record again that I think we should proceed with it. Certainly, a vote in this House, as was suggested a moment ago, would strengthen the Government’s position and, I would have thought, be helpful in international negotiations. The Minister mentioned four other countries that have sanctioned the two Ministers today. Is he anticipating that further countries will follow suit, and what negotiations are taking place to achieve that goal?
Mr Falconer
We have had discussions with other countries, but I would not wish at the Dispatch Box to speculate on what steps they may take following this.
