UK halts trade talks with Israel
Source: Politico (EU)
May 20, 2025 4:24 pm CET
LONDON Britain has halted free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, in response to Israels block on aid to Gaza. The halt to negotiations was announced as part of a package of measures, including sanctions on three individuals, two illegal settler outposts and two organizations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
In a statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israels 11-week blockade and ground operation in Gaza, which he said had left civilians facing starvation, homelessness [and] trauma.
As the prime minister and fellow leaders said yesterday, we cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration, Lammy said. It is incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship. Rejected by Members across this House and frankly its an affront to the values of the British people.
Therefore today, I am announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement. We will be reviewing cooperation with them under the 2030 Bilateral Roadmap.
Read more: https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-halts-trade-talks-with-israel/