'Standing up for freedom': British politicians react to UK sanctions on Israeli settlements

British politicians have reacted with a mix of praise and criticism to the UK government's announcement of sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Labour MPs broadly supported the new measures, while the Conservative Party and Reform UK denounced them. Green and independent MPs urged the government to take further action. Meanwhile, France and Canada have also joined the sanctions, marking a significant diplomatic victory for the UK.

The government's sanctions include comprehensive bans on arms licences and other exports that materially contribute to the occupation. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband defended the decision, stating that the underlying problem is the destruction of the two-state solution. Tory MP Edward Leigh, a long-time supporter of Israel, praised the government's actions, claiming they are about standing up for freedom and justice.

Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed, who has been campaigning for a ban on trade with illegal settlements, praised the government's decision and called for continued support for the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Israeli ministers. Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George noted that the whole house supported the government's decision, except for those aligned with Netanyahu's supporters.

Green Party Foreign Spokesperson Dr Ellie Chowns called the measures a critical and overdue step towards upholding the UK's obligations under international law. She criticized the continuation of military and intelligence cooperation with Israel while Palestinians are killed and denied lifesaving aid. Former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf also welcomed the announcement but urged further measures, including a full two-way arms embargo and the declaration of Benjamin Netanyahu as persona non grata.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn demanded the end of all trade, military cooperation, and support for Israel's unlawful presence. He reiterated his demand for a public inquiry into British complicity in the situation. The most strident criticism came from Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader, who accused the government of being anti-Semitic.