UNISON will lobby Labour for a complete ban on trade with illegal settlements on the occupied West Bank, its conference moved today.

Delegates in Brighton criticised the government for failing to strongly demand the Israeli government comply with international law after recognising the state of Palestine in September.

They passed a motion for Unison to lobby the government to introduce a legal ban on trade with the illegal settlements and suspend the British-Israeli arms trade “until international and human rights law are respected.”

Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper rejected calls by more than 130 backbench Labour MPs for a complete ban as she announced sanctions on six firms and one individual linked to settler violence in the West Bank.

They said the measure was necessary to fulfil orders issued by the International Court of Justice in 2024.

Ms Cooper said Britain would keep examining the issue in alliance with international partners.