Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the objectives of the Government's diplomatic and political policy on Palestine are for 2017; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt, Minister of State for the Middle East at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office: The UK is committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority (PA) and strengthening UK-Palestinian relations. The UK’s long-standing policy on the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) is to support a negotiated settlement leading to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state living alongside a safe and secure Israel. We are planning to provide £56 million in funding to the OPTs in FY 2017/18, helping to lay the foundation for the development of a future Palestinian state by fostering the development of the necessary state institutions. UK support helps to maintain stability, and supports the PA to act as an effective partner for peace with Israel.

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