Joan Ryan MP condemns EU new guidelines on labelling products from Israeli settlements

Rt Hon Joan Ryan MP, Chair of LFI, said:

“We are disappointed at yesterday’s labelling decision by the European Union. As a matter of principle, it is unfair that the Middle East’s only democracy should be singled out for such discriminatory treatment by the EU. Boycotts are a means to delegitimise Israel which do nothing to further the cause of peace, foster coexistence or assist the achievement of a two-state solution. We oppose settlement-building and believe a freeze in further construction is one element which could help to restart negotiations. However, we also note that the proponents of settlement boycotts have made clear they view them as part of what they term a ‘stepladder approach’ leading to a comprehensive boycott of Israel.”