Thank you for contacting me about the normalisation of relations between Israel and both Bahrain and UAE.
The normalisation of these relations, between countries that are great friends of the UK, is a historic and welcome step. The normalisation between Israel and UAE in August also resulted in the suspension of Israel's plans to extend Israeli law to the West Bank. The UK Government has consistently opposed these plans, believing that they would have been counterproductive to securing peace in the region.
I pay tribute to the work of the US in brokering these agreements, which are a much needed boost for peace in the region and I urge other countries across the region to follow the example of the UAE and Bahrain. While a representative of the UK was not present at the signing ceremony in the US, the Foreign Secretary met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington, where he expressed the UK's support of the agreements.
The UIK Government believes that there is no substitute for direct talks between the Palestinians and Israel, in order to reach a two state solution and a lasting peace. The UK urges the Palestinian Authority to resume co-operation with Israel, which is in the interests of the Palestinian people and calls on both parties to make constructive and open steps towards a return to dialogue.
The UK's partnership with the Palestinian Authority (PA) includes a commitment from them to adhere to the principle of non-violence and to tackle language and avoid actions that could incite violence. I welcome the fact that the UK Government continues to urge the PA to uphold these commitments. UK aid to support a stable PA, which can act as an effective partner for peace with Israel, is essential to UK efforts to prepare the ground for a two-state solution.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
October 2020