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Peers express ‘deep concern’ that UK losing position as trusted actor in peace process

Cross-party group intervenes in debate over British stance on West Bank annexation

May 19, 2020 09:02
Overlooking West Bank settlement of Maale Adumim (photo: Getty Images)
2 min read

A cross-party group of peers – including Lord Polak and Baroness Deech – have written to Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly expressing "deep concern" that the UK is on the brink of losing its position as a trusted, impartial actor in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The group of peers – which also included Lord Leigh of Hurley, Lord Palmer of Childs Hill and Lord Turnberg - were responding to a letter sent by the Chair of the House of Lords International Relations Committee Baroness Anelay of St Johns which asked to Mr Cleverly for “reassurance” that the UK’s position remains against any “unilateral Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories”.

Pointing out the UK’s long-time role as a "trusted partner of both Israel and the Palestinian leadership" the peers suggest the letter from the Baroness  fails to recognise that “despite the stated willingness to negotiate on the part of the Israeli government”, the Palestinian Authority had rejected President Trump’s so-called Peace Plan proposal “out of hand”.

The letter went on:  “The US administration’s proposal is not a fait accompli agreement and there remains an opportunity for both parties to negotiate on the basis of the plan."