To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the implications for British policy in the Middle East of the recently published World Bank report “Movement and Access Restrictions in the West Bank: Uncertainty and Inefficiency in the Palestinian Economy”. (136887)

I have been asked to reply.

I welcome the recent World Bank report, the preparation of which was financed by DFID, and I broadly agree with its conclusions. Free movement and access are essential for Palestinians to be able to trade goods and services. The UK has repeatedly called on both parties to implement their obligations as set out in the November 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access. We have also regularly raised concerns with the government of Israel concerning their policies in Jerusalem, which threaten to cut off east Jerusalem from the west bank.

The best prospect for lasting improvements in movement and access is through the peace process. DFID's programme therefore aims to work with partners to help end the conflict and create a viable Palestinian state. As part of this, we help develop Palestinian institutions where possible, and support Palestinian negotiators to move towards and prepare for a negotiated just peace. The UK also funds work to generate media awareness of movement and access restrictions, and to petition the Israeli High Court of Justice on such issues.