Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his responses so far. The E1 scheme is a further terrifying situation for Palestinians, who are vulnerable and have no protections. Will he say what sanctions are being put in place at present? What more are the Government doing to ensure that those working on the E1 scheme are sanctioned?
Answer
My hon. Friend raises a really important issue that we have discussed in this House before. The E1 development is a direct threat to the prospect of a two-state solution. I want to be completely clear that those individuals and businesses that proceed with bids for E1 construction tenders risk facing the full force of UK sanctions—I said that on the day of the closing of the tenders. That is why what we are doing is about much more than symbolism; it is about substantively stopping the destruction of the prospect of a two-state solution.17% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (35/100)
The reply responds to both parts of the question, but only in general terms. On the first part, it says those proceeding with E1 tender bids risk UK sanctions, without identifying which sanctions are in force. On the second part, it restates the threat of sanctions and says current action is 'about much more than symbolism', but it names no additional measure, enforcement step or commitment to go further. Because both parts are hedged rather than answered specifically, the questioner would probably need to ask again for concrete details.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What sanctions the Government is currently putting in place in relation to the E1 scheme. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply names UK sanctions as the consequence for those proceeding with E1 tender bids, but only as a warning of what they 'risk facing' and does not identify which sanctions are currently in force. Statement 4 only dates the warning to the tender closing. |
| What more the Government is doing to ensure that those working on the E1 scheme are sanctioned. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply restates the threat of sanctions and asserts that current action is 'about much more than symbolism', but it names no additional measure, enforcement step, or commitment to go further. The 'what more' element is therefore only gestured at. |