UK trade ban on illegal settlements is a welcome first step to justice for Palestinians

UK trade ban on illegal settlements is a welcome first step to justice for Palestinians Submitted by Abtisam Mohamed on Tue, 09/08/2026 - 13:22 A British trade ban will not end an illegal Israeli occupation on its own, but economic pressure will restrict resources, change business decisions and encourage other countries to follow Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband arrives ahead of a cabinet meeting in Downing Street in London on 21 July, 2026 (AFP) On The UK government decision to ban all trade with illegal Israeli settlements has all the hallmarks of a major rebalance on international affairs, from a foreign secretary finally willing to listen and show leadership. Two months ago, I led a debate in parliament on the gravity of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, and the gap between our principles and action. I laid out the ties of complicity that bind the UK to businesses operating in illegal settlements, often given advantages by the Israeli government.