The government faces renewed criticism over its stance on Palestine as MPs call for a ban of Israeli settlement goods, while England’s top judge criticises Prime Minister Keir Starmer and opposition leader Kemi Badenoch over “unacceptable” comments about a Gazan family’s UK entry.

The letter, signed by 61 MPs, argues the UK’s trade relationship with Israel “falls short of the standards required” under international law.

Initiated by Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed, it references the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) July advisory opinion, which states that countries must not assist in maintaining Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.

It adds that the UK permits the import of settlement goods and that these economic relations help sustain Israel’s settlement economy. 

“I initiated a cross-party letter signed by 61 parliamentarians calling for a ban on Israeli settlement goods,” said Abtisam Mohamed on X.

“The ICJ’s advisory opinion has said that third party states shouldn’t aid or assist Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. Importing goods from settlements gives them legitimacy and further entrenches the occupation. 

“We’ve banned imports from illegally occupied Crimea, so we should do the same for settlements in Palestinian lands. 

“International law should be applied fairly and consistently.

In a separate development, Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr said she was “deeply troubled” by an exchange between Starmer and Badenoch regarding a judicial decision that allowed a Gazan family to settle in the UK.

With no dedicated Palestinian refugee program, the family entered the UK through the Ukraine Family Scheme.

Starmer and Badenoch condemned for Gaza family comments

The prime minister said a judge had made the “wrong decision” by allowing the Palestinian mother, father, and four children to settle under the scheme.

Starmer made the comments during Prime Minister’s Questions last week after Badenoch raised the issue. Badenoch called the decision “completely wrong,” and it “cannot be allowed to stand,” with Starmer pledging to close what he termed a “loophole.”

Baroness Carr said on Tuesday: “Both the question and the answer were unacceptable.

“It is for the government visibly to respect and protect the independence of the judiciary.

“Where parties, including the government, disagree with their findings, they should do so through the appellate process.”

In response, Badenoch said on X: “Parliament is sovereign. Politicians must be able to discuss matters of crucial public importance in Parliament. 

“This doesn’t compromise the independence of the judiciary. The decision to allow a family from Gaza to come to the UK was outrageous for many reasons. The Prime Minister couldn’t even tell me whether the Government would appeal the decision.

“He pretended he was looking at closing a legal ‘loophole’. This is not just some legal loophole that can be closed, but requires a fundamental overhaul of our flawed human rights laws.”

A Government spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister has made clear that it is for Parliament to make the laws and for the Government to decide policy.

“Where the law is not working as we think it should be, the Government will take action to tighten up the rules – and that is what we are doing.

“As a former chief prosecutor, the Prime Minister’s respect for the judiciary, the role they play in our democracy and the rule of law is beyond question.”