TUC hails ban on illegal settlement trade as “important step forward” towards lasting peace in Middle East

Commenting on the statement by Secretary of State on Foreign Affairs, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: 

“This is an important step forward for Palestinians who have faced the ongoing and escalating threat of illegal settler violence – and towards securing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on a two state solution and an end to the illegal occupation. 

“For too long, the world has turned a blind eye to flagrant illegal settlement expansion and settler attacks. This move positions Britain as a leader on the global stage – and puts respect for human rights and international law at the heart of our trade policy. 

“The government has listened to trade unions in the UK and Palestine, as well as civil society groups, about the urgent need to address the horrific violations of human rights taking place on a daily basis in the illegal settlements. 

“We now look forward to working with the government to ensure the ban is effective, including by expanding the ban on settlement trade to wider services, and being prepared to take further action if Israel continues its expansion of illegal settlements.”

Shaher Saed, General Secretary of the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) said:

“We see this as an important step in the right direction and a clear message that the illegal settlement enterprise cannot continue without accountability and consequences. 

“The continued expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, accompanied by acts of killing and violence, the burning of property, and the destruction of agricultural land, seriously undermines the prospects for achieving a two-state solution and violates the rights of the Palestinian people.

“We encourage the UK Government to go further and take stronger and more effective measures to halt settlement expansion, ensure respect for international law, hold those responsible for violations accountable, and protect the rights and livelihoods of Palestinian workers. 

“We also welcome the UK’s renewed commitment to a two-state solution. However, this commitment must be translated into concrete and decisive action leading to a just and lasting peace based on freedom, dignity and the national rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to self-determination and independence.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

- Media credentials for Congress 2026: This year's Congress will be held in the Brighton Centre (Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2GR) from Sunday 13 September to Wednesday 16 September. 

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- About the TUC: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.3 million working people who make up our 47 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.