Commons urgent question
on UK Armed Forces
(East Lothian) (Alba): Many
citizens will be rightly concerned about the use of the phrase
“pre-war world”. What requires clarification is not simply the
scale of the British military in years to come, but where the
armed forces are currently deployed, and what they are doing. Are
British servicemen firing weaponry in Ukraine, as suggested by
German ministerial sources? Are British forces assisting Israel in
its genocide through the provision of military intelligence?
Knowing the answer to those questions is fundamental to our
security, and indeed to our knowing whether the UK is upholding
international law, never mind it being a basic democratic right,
and something that our citizens are entitled to know.
The Minister for Defence Procurement (): The hon. Gentleman knows
that we do not comment on speculation, particularly on sensitive
operational matters relating to the armed forces, and that is the
right approach. Yes, we have a duty of candour, but we also have
to protect those serving on the frontline.
Written statement
on UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement: Fourth Round
Negotiations
The Minister for Trade Policy (): The fourth round of United
Kingdom-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations took place
virtually between 19 and 29 February 2024.
During this round, officials held technical text-based
discussions across 12 policy areas in 26 sessions. The
negotiations focused particularly on services, which are not
covered by our existing agreement, and important given the UK is
the world’s second largest exporter of services.
These negotiations reflect our shared commitment to working
towards a comprehensive deal and strengthen our existing trade
relationship, worth £6.4 billion in Q3 of 2023. A cutting-edge
agreement with provisions covering services, innovation and
digital trade would complement both our economies.
A fifth round of negotiations will take place in due course.
The UK will maintain its long-standing foreign policy positions
in this FTA, including with respect to the internationally
recognised borders of Israel and will
continue to exclude illegal settlements to ensure nothing in this
FTA undermines the viability of a two-state solution.
The Government remain clear that any deal we sign, including
with Israel will be in the
best interests of the British people and the United Kingdom
economy. We will not compromise on our high environmental and
labour protections, public health, animal welfare and food
standards, and we will maintain our right to regulate in the
public interest. We are also clear that during these
negotiations, the NHS, and the services it provides, is not on
the table.
The Government will continue to work closely with Israel and will keep
Parliament updated as these negotiations progress.
