HC Deb 16 July 2003 vol 409 cc325-6W
Llew Smith

To ask the Prime Minister whether he raised the continued imprisonment of Mordecai Vanunu during his meeting with his Israeli counterpart during his visit to London in July. [126305]

The Prime Minister

The priority for the visit was to discuss road map implementation and bilateral relations.

The Government have raised concerns about the conditions of Mr. Vanunu's imprisonment with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Following his latest parole hearing the Israeli authorities decided against his early release. Our embassy in Tel Aviv will continue to monitor his case.

Llew Smith

To ask the Prime Minister what matters in respect of Israeli possession of nuclear weapons he raised with his Israeli counterpart during his visit this month. [126306]

The Prime Minister

The priority for the visit was to discuss road map implementation and bilateral relations.

The Government consistently urge Israel to accede to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non nuclear weapons state, and to sign a full-scope safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), most recently during official-level talks in Tel Aviv on 5 March. Under the agreement with IAEA, Israel's nuclear facilities would be subject to regular inspection to detect and eliminate any diversion of nuclear materials, for weapons production. The UK has consistently supported UN resolutions calling for the establishment of a middle east zone free of weapons of mass destruction. That zone would include Israel.