HL Deb 07 February 2005 vol 669 c86WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of Israel about; (a) the planned expansion of existing settlements in the West Bank such as Ariel and Ma'ale Adumim in contravention of the road map; and (b) the current expansion of settlements inside the 1967 border such as Zufim near Jayyous. [HL1037]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

My right honourable friends the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and I have all made clear to the Israeli Government our view that settlements are illegal under international law. The road map requires that Israel freeze settlement expansion and dismantle outposts erected since March 2001. We will continue to monitor the situation and to raise our concerns about settlement expansion.