Labour Friends of Israel

Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) published a report defending Israeli settlement blocs in the West Bank and opposing a British government ban on goods from these settlements. The report argues against legal measures targeting settlement products, despite international law deeming all settlements in the West Bank illegal. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful.

Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) published a report defending major West Bank settlement blocs and urging the Burnham government not to ban goods from these settlements. The report argues against a comprehensive boycott, distinguishing between recognized major blocs and unauthorized outposts, while international law and the International Court of Justice classify all settlements as illegal.

The UK government secretly considered suspending Israel’s preferential trade privileges in August 2025 amid famine in Gaza but ultimately kept the 2019 UK-Israel Trade Partnership Agreement intact. A review by the Department for Business and Trade under Keir Starmer was concealed from Parliament, despite escalating concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Andy Burnham is reportedly appointing James Purnell, a former chair of Labour Friends of Israel and ex-minister, as his chief of staff. Purnell, who recently resigned from a lobbying firm, has a history of working in government and media, and is associated with the right of the Labour Party.

An independent inquiry found no evidence of antisemitism or influence from lobby groups at Bristol Brunel Academy after it postponed a visit by Jewish MP Damien Egan. The postponement was determined to be solely based on safeguarding concerns.