UK Bans Trade with Israeli Settlements | Belfast News

The UK has slapped a trade ban on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband calling it essential to protect the two-state solution — especially as settlement expansion, including the controversial E1 area, accelerates and settler violence escalates. Israel retaliated by closing its British consulate in East Jerusalem and barring 11 MPs from entering the country, while the U.S. signaled it won’t follow suit. Domestically, the move sparked debate: Labour’s Andy Burnham praised Britain’s moral leadership, while some Jewish leaders called it hollow “gesture politics” that could fuel extremism. Despite criticism, Miliband — who is Jewish — insisted standing for fairness and tackling antisemitism aren’t incompatible. Peace groups and the Green Party backed the decision, while Greater Manchester Police stepped up security for Jewish communities ahead of the High Holidays, partnering with local leaders to ensure safety. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c3b38e71d2c4424f