Introduce sanctions against Israel
The Parliament petitions site records 388,518 signatures for this petition, which closed on 14 November 2021. The Government responded on 8 June 2021. MPs debated it in Westminster Hall on 14 June 2021.
The petition
The petition's creator is not named in the Petitions site's published record. Quoted in full from the UK Parliament petitions site.
Introduce sanctions against Israel
The Government should introduce sanctions against Israel, including blocking all trade, and in particular arms.
Its disproportionate treatment of Palestinians and settlements that are regarded by the international community as illegal are an affront to civilised society.
The Government's response
The Government published its response on 8 June 2021; the petitions site lists the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office as responsible. Its summary:
The UK is firmly opposed to boycotts or sanctions against Israel. Our close and varied relationship means we are able to express clearly when we disagree.
The opening 374 words of the 712-word response:
HM Government has made its position on sanctions clear. While we do not hesitate to express disagreement with Israel whenever we feel it necessary, we are firmly opposed to boycotts or sanctions. We believe that open and honest discussions, rather than the imposition of sanctions or supporting anti-Israeli boycotts, best supports our efforts to help progress the peace process and achieve a negotiated solution.
HM Government takes its export control responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust arms export control regimes in the world. We consider all export applications thoroughly against a strict risk assessment framework. We continue to monitor the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and keep all licences under careful and continual review as standard.
The UK welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza on 20 May, which is an important step to ending the cycle of violence and loss of civilian life. During the Foreign Secretary’s visit to the region on 26 May he reiterated the UK’s firm commitment to the two-state solution as the best way to permanently end the occupation, deliver Palestinian self-determination and preserve Israel’s security and democratic identity. The UK will continue our intensive diplomatic efforts in the region, focussed on creating the conditions for a sustainable peace.
Israel is an important strategic partner for the UK and we collaborate on issues of defence and security. Our commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering. The UK unequivocally condemns the firing of rockets at Jerusalem and locations within Israel. We strongly condemn these acts of terrorism by Hamas and other terrorist groups, who must permanently end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel. We are also concerned by reports that Hamas is again using civilian infrastructure and populations as cover for its military operations.
We are clear that all countries, including Israel, have a legitimate right to self-defence, and the right to defend their citizens from attack. In doing so, it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with International Humanitarian Law, and are calibrated to avoid civilian casualties.
The UK is strongly opposed to the Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions Movement against Israel, just as we oppose any calls for boycotts which divide people and reduce understanding.
Read the full response on the petitions site.
Where the signatures came from
Signatures came from 650 constituencies on the boundaries used until the 2024 general election. The largest number, 6,052, came from Ilford South.
383,428 of the signatures were from the UK and 5,090 from elsewhere, by the location signers gave.
| Constituency | Signatures |
|---|---|
| Ilford South | 6,052 |
| Poplar and Limehouse | 5,800 |
| Bethnal Green and Bow | 5,740 |
| Birmingham, Hall Green | 5,733 |
| Birmingham, Hodge Hill | 5,602 |
| Bradford West | 5,400 |
| East Ham | 5,323 |
| Blackburn | 4,840 |
| West Ham | 4,369 |
| Bradford East | 3,805 |
| Region | Signatures |
|---|---|
| London | 116,286 |
| North West | 50,176 |
| West Midlands | 44,831 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 37,380 |
| South East | 33,514 |
| East of England | 23,195 |
| East Midlands | 19,470 |
| Scotland | 18,387 |
| South West | 12,238 |
| Wales | 8,288 |
| North East | 6,901 |
| Northern Ireland | 3,924 |
Debate in Parliament
MPs debated the petition in Westminster Hall on 14 June 2021. Read the debate in Hansard. House of Commons Library debate pack.
Source and receipt
- https://petition.parliament.uk/archived/petitions/585314.jsonUK Parliament Petitions API · read 2026-10-15 · SHA-256
d1513c4dd8e9cc13… - The petition on petition.parliament.uk
The petition's words are its creator's and the response is the Government's; this site quotes both and gives no view on either. Signature counts can still change while a petition is open. To report an error, send a correction request.