Stephen has written to Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary - and Prime Minister elect - asking for the UK to reflect its trade policy with Israel.
There are growing concerns that Israel is using increased violence against Palestinian nationals. According to international human right bodies, such as Amnesty International, Israel is enacting a system of apartheid rule, violating international law.
A number of constituents have been in touch with Stephen noting that the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs found that 260 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks on Gaza between 10 May and 21 May last year. Thousands more were injured, and over 110,000 people were displaced.
The UK continues to trade with Israel. Both countries have benefited from decades of military trade. For many, this raises worries that the UK is supporting Israel’s illegal activity in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Speaking about the letter, Stephen said: “I am troubled to learn the UK may be encouraging repression against Palestinians and violation of international law through its arms shipments. The Government must review its trade policy as a matter of urgency.”