Uk diplomats demand action against israeli settlement bidders

A group of 32 former UK ambassadors and high commissioners has called on the British government to threaten action against any companies participating in the construction of an illegal Israeli settlement that would divide the West Bank and destroy Palestinian statehood.

Former uk diplomats urge trade ban on settlement products

In an open letter to the Guardian, the ex-diplomats warned that tenders for the E1 settlement, which would involve the construction of 3,400 houses on Palestinian soil, are due to be issued on June 1. They demanded a UK trade ban on settlement products and services, as well as suspending trade concessions with Israel over its breach of human rights provisions in the UK-Israel trade agreement.

The letter's signatories include Sir David Manning, former UK ambassador to the US, and Sir Peter Westmacott, also a former US ambassador. They argue that Britain, given its historic responsibilities and recognition of Palestine, is