Andy Burnham to ban trade with Israeli settlements in West Bank, reports suggest

ANDY Burnham is expected to announce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank on Tuesday, according to reports. Burnham is understood to have discussed the proposed move with US president Donald Trump in a phone call on Monday, where he reportedly stressed the importance of preserving the prospect of two states. The Times have reported that the Trump administration is expected to issue a statement criticising the decision. READ MORE: 36 Palestinian families in West Bank face eviction amid violent Israeli attacks Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to set out the ban in the Commons. Miliband is likely to raise concerns over Israeli plans for further housing developments, which could effectively divide the West Bank and undermine the possibility of a future Palestinian state existing alongside Israel. No 10 confirmed on Monday that Burnham has not spoken to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu since entering Downing Street. Miliband is also expected to announce sanctions against individuals involved in settlement activity. Britain sanctioned senior Israeli ministers last year over what it described as “repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities”. Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, accused the UK Government of "Jew hate" and said “the Brits have lost it” over the weekend, after the Foreign Secretary posted a video accusing Israel of blocking medicine deliveries to Gaza. A Downing Street spokesman said on Monday: “We completely reject that assertion. We’re committed to protecting Jewish communities in the UK and continue to engage with community leaders and groups.” Downing Street and the Foreign Office declined to comment on the reports. Share