0:00:00 > 0:00:00asked the question in this group. Yes, so I am afraid it is not within
0:00:00 > 0:00:04the rules but I am sure we will hear more from her throughout the day,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07possibly on multiple occasions. We will see.Urgent question, Emily
0:00:07 > 0:00:13Thornberry. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Affairs if you will make a statement on the implications of President
0:00:16 > 0:00:21from's decision to move the United States Embassy in Israel from Tel
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Aviv to Jerusalem and recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30Minister of State, foreign and Commonwealth office, Minister
0:00:30 > 0:00:35Alistair Burt.Thank you, Mr Speaker and can I thank the honourable lady
0:00:35 > 0:00:39obviously for an important and urgent question. As my right
0:00:39 > 0:00:41honourable friend the Prime Minister made clear in her statement
0:00:41 > 0:00:46yesterday, we disagree with the US decision to move its to Jerusalem
0:00:46 > 0:00:50and recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital before a final
0:00:50 > 0:00:55status agreement. We believe it is unhelpful in terms of prospect for
0:00:55 > 0:00:59peace in the region. The British Embassy is based in Tel Aviv and we
0:00:59 > 0:01:04have no plans to move it. Our position on the status of Jerusalem
0:01:04 > 0:01:08is clear and long-standing. It should be determined in a negotiated
0:01:08 > 0:01:11settlement between the Israelis and Palestinians and Jerusalem should
0:01:11 > 0:01:16ultimately be the shared capital of the Israeli and Palestinian states,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19in line with relevant Security Council resolutions, we regard East
0:01:19 > 0:01:24Jerusalem as part of the occupied Palestinian territories. We share
0:01:24 > 0:01:27President from's desire to bring an end to this conflict and welcome his
0:01:27 > 0:01:31commitment in the statement to a two state solution negotiated between
0:01:31 > 0:01:35the parties and note his clear acknowledgement that the final
0:01:35 > 0:01:38status of Jerusalem, including the sovereign boundaries within the
0:01:38 > 0:01:43city, must be subject to negotiations between the Israelis
0:01:43 > 0:01:47and the Palestinians. We encourage the US administration to
0:01:47 > 0:01:49neighbouring forward detailed proposals for an Israeli-Palestinian
0:01:49 > 0:01:52settlement. To have the best chances of success, the peace process must
0:01:52 > 0:01:57be conducted in an atmosphere free from violence. We therefore call on
0:01:57 > 0:02:04all parties to work together and maintain calm at a crucial time.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Thank you, Mr Speaker, for granting this urgent question and I welcome
0:02:07 > 0:02:12the opening remarks for the Minister of State. For all of us in this
0:02:12 > 0:02:16House and beyond who have worked tirelessly for decades in the hope
0:02:16 > 0:02:19of lasting peace in the Middle East, yesterday's decision took an
0:02:19 > 0:02:24absolute hammer blow to those hopes. There is a reason that before
0:02:24 > 0:02:27yesterday, no other country would locate their embassy in Jerusalem
0:02:27 > 0:02:31and no other major country would recognise Jerusalem as Israel's
0:02:31 > 0:02:36capital, because to do either thing, let alone both at the same time,
0:02:36 > 0:02:41confers legitimacy on Israel's occupation of east Jerusalem, an
0:02:41 > 0:02:45occupation with no basis in international law and is a permanent
0:02:45 > 0:02:48barrier to achieving the political settlement we would all wish for.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51The sheer recklessness of that decision needs no debate. Donald
0:02:51 > 0:02:56Trump is not crying fire and a crowded theatre, he is deliberately
0:02:56 > 0:02:59setting fire to the theatre and then he has the unbelievable cheek to
0:02:59 > 0:03:02claim he is doing this to move forward the peace process, when in
0:03:02 > 0:03:07reality he is setting it back decades and, as usual, Mr Speaker,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10as with the Muslim ban, the Paris Agreement and the Iran deal, the
0:03:10 > 0:03:15question for the UK Government is twofold. First, what are they going
0:03:15 > 0:03:19to do about this mess? Would Donald Trump wilfully deserting America's
0:03:19 > 0:03:25role as peace break peace broker between Israel and Palestine, how
0:03:25 > 0:03:29will we work with other allies to fill that void, and secondly, when
0:03:29 > 0:03:33will the Government admit they have got their strategy with Donald Trump
0:03:33 > 0:03:37totally wrong? They told us that holding his hand and hugging him
0:03:37 > 0:03:41close, indulging him with the offer of a state visit, was the best way
0:03:41 > 0:03:44of wielding influence and shaping his policies, but Andreu Souleiman,
0:03:44 > 0:03:50as with so many issues before, they have been made to look like fools --
0:03:50 > 0:03:54but on Jerusalem. Week, ignored and with it entirely without influence.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58When will they realise that bending over for a bully only encourages
0:03:58 > 0:04:02that behaviour when what our country needs, and what the world needs, is
0:04:02 > 0:04:10a British Government prepared to stand up to them?I thank The Right
0:04:10 > 0:04:16Honourable lady for her comments and her question. I agree that a
0:04:16 > 0:04:22difficult consensus has been broken. The honourable lady is right, the
0:04:22 > 0:04:24international consensus around the status of Jerusalem has been one of
0:04:24 > 0:04:31the things we have all held onto during a period when the ultimate
0:04:31 > 0:04:35settlement, the final settlement, has yet to be agreed. And it has
0:04:35 > 0:04:38always been seen as part of the process at the end of that
0:04:38 > 0:04:42negotiated settlement and then of course the status of Jerusalem would
0:04:42 > 0:04:46be confirmed. The United States has taken a decision about itself and
0:04:46 > 0:04:52the location of its embassy. I think in answer to her final point about
0:04:52 > 0:04:55the United Kingdom's position vis-a-vis President Trump, we make
0:04:55 > 0:04:59it clear we disagree with the decision. The Prime Minister has
0:04:59 > 0:05:02said it is unhelpful and it is not a decision we would take. We have now
0:05:02 > 0:05:07to decide what we do now. The first thing we can do, and we have
0:05:07 > 0:05:11co-sponsored a meeting tomorrow at the UN Security Council, when this
0:05:11 > 0:05:14will be discussed, we co-sponsored that with our European partners
0:05:14 > 0:05:21because that does provide the opportunity to take stock of where
0:05:21 > 0:05:24we are and how we can move forward. There are two opportunities. One is
0:05:24 > 0:05:27just to dwell on this particular decision of the United States, which
0:05:27 > 0:05:29people will for a while, and just leave that sitting there. The other
0:05:29 > 0:05:34is to decide what we do now. I think it is imperative that the work that
0:05:34 > 0:05:40the envoys have been doing, the President's envoys, they had shared
0:05:40 > 0:05:44with a number of partners and we now need to see this and more quickly
0:05:44 > 0:05:47than people anticipated, and then we can see what there is to work on
0:05:47 > 0:05:52four friends both of Israel and Palestine. So the process has to
0:05:52 > 0:05:57move on. If the process was derailed by this, that would compound the on
0:05:57 > 0:05:59helpfulness of the decision. That is what we want to talk about. In terms
0:05:59 > 0:06:05of the longer term relationship with United States, our relationship with
0:06:05 > 0:06:10United States is very deep, defence, intelligence, security, trade, it
0:06:10 > 0:06:13carries a multitude of things and has the centuries and it will go on
0:06:13 > 0:06:17for centuries, regardless of leadership. We respect the elected
0:06:17 > 0:06:20president but we know the relationship with United States is
0:06:20 > 0:06:22much deeper and the United Kingdom will continue to honour that
0:06:22 > 0:06:29relationship in many forms.If the president has a cunning plan which
0:06:29 > 0:06:34he hasn't shared with any of his allies, can I invite my right
0:06:34 > 0:06:46honourable friend to speculate what it might be?Well... If there is...
0:06:46 > 0:06:52If there is, this is a decision which clearly has been welcomed by
0:06:52 > 0:06:57the Prime Minister in the state of Israel. There is no doubt that
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Israel seized the United States as a great friend. There is no surprise
0:07:00 > 0:07:05to any of us in relation to that and nor does that change anything
0:07:05 > 0:07:09particularly markedly in terms of relationships in the region. But
0:07:09 > 0:07:14perhaps when proposals come forward, if there are concessions needed by
0:07:14 > 0:07:18the state of Israel in order to make the agreement we all wish to see,
0:07:18 > 0:07:23which will be supported by all sides, just maybe there is now an
0:07:23 > 0:07:26extra area of pressure that can be applied because a friend of Israel
0:07:26 > 0:07:31has done what the President has done. I have no inkling into the
0:07:31 > 0:07:35thinking of the President of the United States, but as everything in
0:07:35 > 0:07:39this whole business is used one way or another, just possibly there are
0:07:39 > 0:07:44those within the state of Israel who will recognise the limb on which the
0:07:44 > 0:07:47president has gone out on and when push comes to shove, that might be
0:07:47 > 0:07:50of some assistance. We are very clear on our position, we disagree
0:07:50 > 0:07:53with it and will continue to work with all partners to seek the
0:07:53 > 0:07:59settlement so urgently needed. President Trump's decision to
0:07:59 > 0:08:05recognise Jerusalem as the carrot back capital of Israel and move the
0:08:05 > 0:08:08embassy to Tel Aviv is not any reckless and wrong, it throws the
0:08:08 > 0:08:12entire peace process into jeopardy. There is no denying that this
0:08:12 > 0:08:17decision hugely hinders a two state solution to the conflict and the
0:08:17 > 0:08:20reaction from international community has been overwhelming.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Pope Francis said, I cannot Remain silent. The UN Secretary-General
0:08:24 > 0:08:28spoke of his great anxiety and the European Union has expressed serious
0:08:28 > 0:08:34concern. I could go on. Tomorrow, the UN will meet amid concerns of Mr
0:08:34 > 0:08:38Trump's announcement in terms of international law and UN
0:08:38 > 0:08:41resolutions. The Secretary of State take a moment to condemn this
0:08:41 > 0:08:46decision in the strongest possible terms and ensure the house that
0:08:46 > 0:08:49there will be pressure tomorrow to have this decision reversed.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Regardless of political differences across this chamber, we do share the
0:08:53 > 0:08:58values of tolerance, inclusion and respect across these islands. Taking
0:08:58 > 0:09:01this into consideration, will the Secretary of State today completely
0:09:01 > 0:09:04rule out a state visit from President Trump and send out a clear
0:09:04 > 0:09:07message that his divisive and reckless actions are not welcome
0:09:07 > 0:09:15here?Thank you, Mr Speaker. We will only allow the peace process to be
0:09:15 > 0:09:22derailed by this if we take the decision as doing just that. As
0:09:22 > 0:09:25opposed to providing a different opportunity to take that peace
0:09:25 > 0:09:30process forward. The envoys are still working, there are still in
0:09:30 > 0:09:33contact with Arab states, Arab partners, as well as the state of
0:09:33 > 0:09:39Israel. That work should continue. As I said, that needs to come
0:09:39 > 0:09:43forward with greater urgency. The risks in the region are even clearer
0:09:43 > 0:09:46than they were yesterday before the president spoke, the risks that many
0:09:46 > 0:09:50colleagues in this has no full well because of our frequent visits to
0:09:50 > 0:09:55the region. The only way that can be quelled is to demonstrate that for
0:09:55 > 0:09:58those who are seeking for hope in the process, there is still a chance
0:09:58 > 0:10:01of hope and the United Kingdom must do nothing to cut up that
0:10:01 > 0:10:05possibility. That is why we have to keep urging the peace process
0:10:05 > 0:10:08forward although the deficit trust of the United States, because of its
0:10:08 > 0:10:13decision, will be noted, but it will Remain an important part of those
0:10:13 > 0:10:19discussions in the future. In relation to the other questions, you
0:10:19 > 0:10:22know, we have co-sponsored the meeting with the UN, so it is our
0:10:22 > 0:10:26intention to work with partners and urgently on moving this forward and
0:10:26 > 0:10:30as far as the visit of the president is concerned, again, the Prime
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Minister has made it clear her views on that and an invitation has been
0:10:33 > 0:10:40extended but there is no date set for the visit.I welcome what the
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Minister of State has said this morning. I thought I would share
0:10:42 > 0:10:47with you has just briefly one sentence from a letter from the
0:10:47 > 0:10:50patriarchs and heads of local churches in Jerusalem to President
0:10:50 > 0:10:56Trump, in which they say, "Peace cannot be reached without Jerusalem
0:10:56 > 0:10:59being for all." That was echoed by the Archbishop of Canterbury
0:10:59 > 0:11:04yesterday who said the status quo of the city of Jerusalem is one of the
0:11:04 > 0:11:09few stable elements for hope for peace and urges us all to pay for
0:11:09 > 0:11:13the -- prayed for the peace of Jerusalem.I think we would all
0:11:13 > 0:11:18concur with the words we have just heard. The status of Jerusalem is of
0:11:18 > 0:11:24immense importance in the region, to all faiths and to all parties who
0:11:24 > 0:11:30live there. It is essential that the consensus of Jerusalem being for all
0:11:30 > 0:11:35is honoured but it is very clear that our position on the final
0:11:35 > 0:11:38status of Jerusalem, as I stated, as part of the final settlement to be
0:11:38 > 0:11:43agreed between the parties, that is the most important thing, not
0:11:43 > 0:11:49anyone's unilateral decision about what they think about Jerusalem.The
0:11:49 > 0:11:51UK Government has previously said that they would recognise Palestine
0:11:51 > 0:12:00when the time was right. Is that I'm not right now? -- is the time not
0:12:00 > 0:12:03right now?Our view is that recognising Palestine should be done
0:12:03 > 0:12:08at the time that is in the best interests of prospect for peace and
0:12:08 > 0:12:14the peace process. That remains our position for now.President Trump's
0:12:14 > 0:12:20recognition of Jerusalem isolates the USA. It has been condemned by
0:12:20 > 0:12:25European leaders, Middle East leaders and even Pope Francis, all
0:12:25 > 0:12:30stating that this hostile act has ignorance and undermines the peace
0:12:30 > 0:12:37process. Can the Minister confirm that he will maintain a robust
0:12:37 > 0:12:41position with United States to seek a two state position, although I do
0:12:41 > 0:12:44suggest he start by pointing out where Jerusalem is to President
0:12:44 > 0:12:50Trump.I'm grateful to my honourable friend. I can assure her there is no
0:12:50 > 0:12:53change in the United Kingdom's position either on the final status
0:12:53 > 0:13:01of Jerusalem or the need for a two state solution.On the siege escape
0:13:01 > 0:13:05to the spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, if not now, when? He will
0:13:05 > 0:13:08be aware that one of the most grievous consequences of this
0:13:08 > 0:13:12decision is the impact on Palestinian public opinion. More and
0:13:12 > 0:13:17more people are giving up on a two state solution. With Britain's
0:13:17 > 0:13:19particular historical responsibilities, would now not be
0:13:19 > 0:13:24the time to honour the overwhelming vote in this House back in 2014 and
0:13:24 > 0:13:29recognise Palestine as a state?As The Right Honourable gentleman
0:13:29 > 0:13:33knows, I have made frequent visits to the region. I was there recently
0:13:33 > 0:13:37and spoke yesterday to the Palestinian representative in London
0:13:37 > 0:13:42to express my views on the anticipated speech of the president
0:13:42 > 0:13:47of the United States. Recognition of the state of Palestine I don't think
0:13:47 > 0:13:51is necessary consequence of what we heard yesterday. It is not a tit for
0:13:51 > 0:13:56tat, it is more important than that. Accordingly, it should be a decision
0:13:56 > 0:14:01made by the United Kingdom at a time when we believe it is in the best
0:14:01 > 0:14:05interests of the process of peace. That is the view and that is the for
0:14:05 > 0:14:14now. -- that is the view for now. Can my right honourable friend
0:14:14 > 0:14:17confirmed to us that the UK aid contributions to the Palestinian
0:14:17 > 0:14:22Authority have been, as they have historically been, a significant
0:14:22 > 0:14:24contribution to maintain the stability of that region, which
0:14:24 > 0:14:29ultimately will help drive forward the negotiations for the two state
0:14:29 > 0:14:35solution and a peaceful settlement we wish to see?
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Last week I spoke to the Palestinian authorities for education and
0:14:39 > 0:14:46finance. We spoke about the latest tranche of support the United
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Kingdom is giving to the Palestinian Authority. This is done in the clear
0:14:50 > 0:14:53understanding that the Palestinian territories are moving towards
0:14:53 > 0:15:00statehood, which is the purpose for our support for them. That as we're
0:15:00 > 0:15:03the hope comes from, there has to be hope of the Palestinians and those
0:15:03 > 0:15:08living in the West Bank and Gaza. It is our job to make sure there is
0:15:08 > 0:15:12nothing in yesterday's decision by another powder that makes it more
0:15:12 > 0:15:23difficult, and we will work towards that.This is not just a setback, it
0:15:23 > 0:15:34is a sea change. In these discussions with Palestinian
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Authority is, what plans does the government have to move matters
0:15:37 > 0:15:47forward? Is that a timetable for recognition?I have said what I want
0:15:47 > 0:15:54to about recognition, but the position in the United States will
0:15:54 > 0:15:58have changed materially because of yesterday's statement. I would
0:15:58 > 0:16:02rightly draw attention to the parts of the President's speech that deals
0:16:02 > 0:16:09with the need for negotiations, two state solution and what was said.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13The nature of the United States as a broker in the region will have been
0:16:13 > 0:16:16affected, and that is something we're going to discuss tomorrow as
0:16:16 > 0:16:20to how the process can be taken forward. The United States will
0:16:20 > 0:16:26continue to play an important part but there is no doubt the deficit,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28there is a trust deficit because of yesterday's announcement, and it is
0:16:28 > 0:16:32for other states to fill the gap in order to make sure the prospects for
0:16:32 > 0:16:40peace are not diminished.Isn't the reality that the peace process has
0:16:40 > 0:16:45been stalled for many years, since 1993, and what we need following
0:16:45 > 0:16:50this announcement is direct peace talks between the state of Israel
0:16:50 > 0:16:55and the Palestinian representatives, if we can get from the United
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Nations brokered position whereby those talks start, this could end up
0:16:59 > 0:17:11being quite a good decision.I have no sense that yesterday's decision
0:17:11 > 0:17:15made no contribution in advancing the peace process. I understand what
0:17:15 > 0:17:21the president said, and he has a particular logic in saying that. I
0:17:21 > 0:17:25am not sure I share that, but I do share his last point that no matter
0:17:25 > 0:17:32what happens in the region, it is either a blow or opportunity, and
0:17:32 > 0:17:36usually it's both. We have to make sure that the opportunity provided
0:17:36 > 0:17:41by yesterday's statement does not get lost, there is a new role for
0:17:41 > 0:17:43others to play, but ultimately it must be direct negotiations, what
0:17:43 > 0:17:52can we do to assist that rather than push it back?Trump's desperation to
0:17:52 > 0:17:55take off every ill judged a phase of campaign sound bite now threatens
0:17:55 > 0:17:59the peace process in one of the most volatile geopolitical regions in the
0:17:59 > 0:18:03world. The government welcomes his words about a two state solution,
0:18:03 > 0:18:08but those pronouncements count for little when the actions mean the
0:18:08 > 0:18:13prospect of a two state solution seems more distant than ever. The
0:18:13 > 0:18:17government is limited in its ability to influence the US position, but
0:18:17 > 0:18:24surely it is time to listen to the clear will of the House and
0:18:24 > 0:18:29recognise the state of Palestine the way we do the State of Israel.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34Without repeating what I said earlier, the position in the United
0:18:34 > 0:18:38kingdom has a degree of flexibility. The House is right, we have to make
0:18:38 > 0:18:41a collective judgment as to when the time is right in the best interests
0:18:41 > 0:18:47of peace. The government then has to make up its mind about the
0:18:47 > 0:18:52circumstances on what is right, and it will do that. But the views of
0:18:52 > 0:19:00colleagues unknown.President Trump has said the United States remains
0:19:00 > 0:19:05committed to a two state solution, but can he confirm that the British
0:19:05 > 0:19:12Government will be pointing out to his country's strongest ally that
0:19:12 > 0:19:19moving the embassy to Jerusalem will be interpreted by many as
0:19:19 > 0:19:24acquiescence settlement on the West Bank, which itself is the biggest
0:19:24 > 0:19:32impediment to a two state solution. I think Hazan alert -- analysis is
0:19:32 > 0:19:39accepted by many.I think the announcement yesterday has
0:19:39 > 0:19:45undermined the credibility to broker a peace deal between Israel and
0:19:45 > 0:19:51Palestine. Isn't it more vital than ever that the UK and European union
0:19:51 > 0:19:54demonstrate that respect for international law has to be the
0:19:54 > 0:19:58cornerstone with any lasting peace, so can he tell the House what action
0:19:58 > 0:20:03he will take to implement the obligations under the paragraph in
0:20:03 > 0:20:10UN Security Council 2334, past ten months ago, which causes both states
0:20:10 > 0:20:15to deal with relevant dealings between the state of Israel and Todd
0:20:15 > 0:20:20-- territories occupied since 1967. What will Britain do to implement
0:20:20 > 0:20:27that in practice?We have followed UN and EU practice in relation to
0:20:27 > 0:20:32clearly labelling produce that comes from settlement areas. Those areas
0:20:32 > 0:20:43that have been occupied. We are clear in relation to our advice, and
0:20:43 > 0:20:47we are following through 2334, which the United Kingdom voted for. I
0:20:47 > 0:20:54would say that many of these issues have crucially to be decided in the
0:20:54 > 0:20:59final settlement between the parties. There is a greater need for
0:20:59 > 0:21:02urgency this morning than there was yesterday in relation to that. That
0:21:02 > 0:21:08is where the United Kingdom can and will make its efforts. We will be in
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Paris tomorrow for a meeting at the international support group based
0:21:11 > 0:21:17around Lebanon, and we will be talking about this, there is a need
0:21:17 > 0:21:24for greater urgency and to make use of the new opportunity.Regarding
0:21:24 > 0:21:28moving the embassy, can he assure me that we will continue to seek a
0:21:28 > 0:21:31position and work with the US to find the long-term two state
0:21:31 > 0:21:41solution?Yes, the work of the two envoys continues. The United States
0:21:41 > 0:21:45will continue to play a part in the region and processes. I refer to my
0:21:45 > 0:21:54early answers of what we're trying to do to help that process.I think
0:21:54 > 0:21:59the Minister understands the perception of yesterday's
0:21:59 > 0:22:04announcement in the Palestinian community. What can he do to prevent
0:22:04 > 0:22:07the complete erosion of faith in this process by those Palestinians
0:22:07 > 0:22:12who are seeking to find a two state solution and accommodate their
0:22:12 > 0:22:20border with Israel? Would recognition not be such a move?The
0:22:20 > 0:22:24first thing we can do is make clear our disagreement with the United
0:22:24 > 0:22:27States policy, and then work with partners to ensure the peace process
0:22:27 > 0:22:32must go on and give hope to people, and also to see the urgency must be
0:22:32 > 0:22:42continued to see the solution.I know the Minister will recognise a
0:22:42 > 0:22:46relationship with the United States is deeper than whoever the current
0:22:46 > 0:22:49document -- occupant of the White House happens to be. The same with
0:22:49 > 0:22:57the peace process in the Middle East. Can we stick to the original
0:22:57 > 0:22:59decision of two Democratic prosperous states living side by
0:22:59 > 0:23:08side and seek to reach that?Yes, we referred to the Balfour declaration
0:23:08 > 0:23:15being unfinished business, and that is still our view, and yesterday is
0:23:15 > 0:23:28announcement will deal with the second part.Several months ago you
0:23:28 > 0:23:33suggested dosh can I asked the Minister when he meets his US
0:23:33 > 0:23:37counterpart in the UN, can he convey to him the words of a young
0:23:37 > 0:23:42Palestinian Human Rights activist to Mr Speaker posted yesterday on a
0:23:42 > 0:23:47deception, who said that by taking this unilateral decision, the
0:23:47 > 0:23:50president is flouting international law, international consent to us,
0:23:50 > 0:23:54and hopes and dreams of all of those who harbour hopes of a two state
0:23:54 > 0:24:02solution.I am sure the words she quotes will be drawn to the
0:24:02 > 0:24:06attention of those in the United States. It is our duty to make sure
0:24:06 > 0:24:12hopes and promises are not lost in these circumstances.I share the
0:24:12 > 0:24:17government's view on this statement by the President of the United
0:24:17 > 0:24:23States. I do not think this brings the two state solution process to an
0:24:23 > 0:24:28end. In fact, I believe it gives greater emphasis to the work we can
0:24:28 > 0:24:38carry on in order to achieve that. Does he agree?I am grateful. The
0:24:38 > 0:24:41peace process, the two state process will only come to an end when the
0:24:41 > 0:24:47parties themselves feel it cannot go further. It is vital that we and all
0:24:47 > 0:24:51our partners including the United States reaffirmed that commitment
0:24:51 > 0:24:57and do our level best to make sure it is not lost.It is clear, giving
0:24:57 > 0:25:07Donald Trump's recent attitudes to settlement, this... It is a real
0:25:07 > 0:25:12risk that the West Bank is further subdivided, so before that is too
0:25:12 > 0:25:19late, will he recognise the state of Palestine?I hear comments in
0:25:19 > 0:25:23relation that the government's position is clear. It is better for
0:25:23 > 0:25:27us to continue efforts to support the legal attempts to prevent
0:25:27 > 0:25:32demolitions, which we do through financial support to the refugee
0:25:32 > 0:25:38Council, to allow information to be taken to Israeli courts, and cases
0:25:38 > 0:25:46taken forward had resulted in demolitions being stopped.The
0:25:46 > 0:25:49Minister acknowledges the right of any country to decide where to
0:25:49 > 0:25:54locate its embassy, but I have to say I fear that the already fragile
0:25:54 > 0:25:58prospect removing the peace process forward further diminished by this
0:25:58 > 0:26:03move. In his reaffirmation of the government's to a two state
0:26:03 > 0:26:06solution, will he continue to devote his efforts to driving that former
0:26:06 > 0:26:25band delivering and his real free from the threat of terrorism
0:26:26 > 0:26:32-- and Israel.We're looking at how to move forward with renewed urgency
0:26:32 > 0:26:41to make that happen.Unlike any of his predecessors, President Trump is
0:26:41 > 0:26:46dangerously -- has dangerously unclaimed every conflict he has
0:26:46 > 0:26:50addressed. Hasn't the time come to see this man as somebody who
0:26:50 > 0:26:53believes in America first, but the rest of the world nowhere, and
0:26:53 > 0:27:02should we now say that the invitation for a formal visit here
0:27:02 > 0:27:07is now rescinded? People can be invited, they can be disinvited.I
0:27:07 > 0:27:13hear what he says, the position remains, an invitation has been
0:27:13 > 0:27:16given, no date has been set, and that remains the possession of the
0:27:16 > 0:27:21government.This is the second urgent question in as many weeks
0:27:21 > 0:27:25that you have granted so ministers could come to the dispatch box and
0:27:25 > 0:27:28condemn the egregious behaviour of the President of the United States,
0:27:28 > 0:27:33which begs the question, what is the point of a special relationship if
0:27:33 > 0:27:42these condemnations have no effect? The point of the special
0:27:42 > 0:27:46relationship if it gives ministers the opportunity when a decision has
0:27:46 > 0:27:50been made by our friends we disagree with to explain that to the House,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53to explain our position in relation to it and the public, and maintain
0:27:53 > 0:27:57that despite some of these decisions, a special relationship
0:27:57 > 0:28:01that is broad and deep goes on, even if there are political decisions
0:28:01 > 0:28:10with which we disagree.UN security resolution 460 51980 determines that
0:28:10 > 0:28:20measures taken by Israel on the status of the Palestinian or other
0:28:20 > 0:28:25Arab territories occupied since 1967 including Jerusalem have no legal
0:28:25 > 0:28:32validity. How is Israel therefore complying?The honourable lady knows
0:28:32 > 0:28:38the region very well. They are not, that is why we hold that land to be
0:28:38 > 0:28:44occupied, that is why we voted for resolution 2334, which reinstated
0:28:44 > 0:28:52elements of what she has said. What the business needs is the leadership
0:28:52 > 0:28:55that we celebrate. 40 years ago the president came to accurately to make
0:28:55 > 0:28:59peace. That should be remembered, it takes bold leadership by those in
0:28:59 > 0:29:03the region to make a difference. Maybe now, after yesterday, it is
0:29:03 > 0:29:09the time to see more of it.Does he agree that Jonathan Freedland
0:29:09 > 0:29:11writing yesterday in the Guardian summed up President Trump's
0:29:11 > 0:29:17announcement best when he described it as an act of diplomatic arson?It
0:29:17 > 0:29:22is not the responsibility of ministers to comment on articles by
0:29:22 > 0:29:27Guardian journalists or any journalists, no matter what their
0:29:27 > 0:29:33opinions may be. The House will make a judgment, but I would say that
0:29:33 > 0:29:36actually the important thing for ministers and governments to talk
0:29:36 > 0:29:41about is how to de-skilled tensions, how to recognise positive elements
0:29:41 > 0:29:46out of any situation to move forward. The place has another
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Retallick, it has enough people willing to take to the streets for
0:29:49 > 0:29:54all sorts of reasons. The United
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Mr Speaker, let us be absolutely clear, this announcement is the
0:29:58 > 0:30:01latest instance of the Trump administration showing contempt for
0:30:01 > 0:30:07international law and the rest of the world. Now, let me ask the
0:30:07 > 0:30:11minister again, surely it is right that at the UN Security Council
0:30:11 > 0:30:16tomorrow, will the UK now commit, as most of the world has, to be long
0:30:16 > 0:30:22overdue step, the recognition of the state of Palestine?United Kingdom
0:30:22 > 0:30:26will restate tomorrow our determination to see a final
0:30:26 > 0:30:30settlement of this with peace between the nations, to viable
0:30:30 > 0:30:33states and that determination that the state we wish to see in
0:30:33 > 0:30:38Palestine is one that has been agreed, but our position is we will
0:30:38 > 0:30:42will recognise, when it is in the right time relation it McVeet in to
0:30:42 > 0:30:51peace.-- in relation to peace. It is two years since I visited a huge
0:30:51 > 0:30:54settlement home to 41,000 just outside Jerusalem. The parliament
0:30:54 > 0:30:58there is introducing a law to annex that settlement, the first time it
0:30:58 > 0:31:03has been done, because it has been emboldened by Trump's decision. Does
0:31:03 > 0:31:07he agree that this legitimisation of a settlement built illegally on
0:31:07 > 0:31:11Palestinian land is a dangerous move and will he join me in condemning
0:31:11 > 0:31:17it?The honourable lady raises again the difficult issue of locality in
0:31:17 > 0:31:23relation to settlements. There is evidence that the Israeli Government
0:31:23 > 0:31:26has been influenced by the United States and others in relation to
0:31:26 > 0:31:31some of its decisions and some of its legal decisions in relation to
0:31:31 > 0:31:35Jerusalem. Our position remains clear, the settlements are illegal.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38They must be dealt with as part of that overall settlement but the
0:31:38 > 0:31:43legality of them, that is what we challenge when it is legitimate and
0:31:43 > 0:31:47right to do so by those who might be affected by settlements or
0:31:47 > 0:31:51demolitions and that will Remain the policy.Just before we come to the
0:31:51 > 0:31:55business question, I have to notify the house in accordance with the
0:31:55 > 0:32:01Royal assent act 1967 that Her Majesty has signified her Royal
0:32:01 > 0:32:04assent to the following act.