The Bishop of Gloucester received the following written answers on 18th June 2025:
The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to review the guidance to businesses trading in produce originating from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Baroness Gustafsson (Lab, DBT): The UK Government has a clear position that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law. There are clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Israel.
The overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, provides information for UK operators on how goods from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories should be labelled.
The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports of cases in which soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces have used Palestinians as human shields in Gaza.
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab, FCDO): We are deeply disturbed by reports that soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces have used Palestinians as human shields in Gaza. Use of civilians as human shields is a breach of international humanitarian law. We call on the Government of Israel to fully investigate all such reports and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked His Majesty’s Government what level of representation they intend to send to the UN High Level Conference on the two-state solution on 17–20 June.
Lord Collins of Highbury: The two-state solution Conference has been postponed following military escalation in the region. We remain deeply committed to a two-state solution which remains the only way to guarantee security, dignity and a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. We will continue to work closely with France, Saudi Arabia and others to make the conference a success when it is re-scheduled.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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