Andy Burnham to ban trade with Israeli settlements in West Bank

Burnham is understood to have discussed the proposed move with US president Donald Trump in a phone call on Monday, where he reportedly stressed the importance of preserving the prospect of two states. The Times have reported that the Trump administration is expected to issue a statement criticising the decision. READ MORE: 36 Palestinian families in West Bank face eviction amid violent Israeli attacks Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to set out the ban in the Commons. Miliband is likely to raise concerns over Israeli plans for further housing developments, which could effectively divide the West Bank and undermine the possibility of a future Palestinian state existing alongside Israel. No 10 confirmed on Monday that Burnham has not spoken to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu since entering Downing Street. Miliband is also expected to announce sanctions against individuals involved in settlement activity. Britain sanctioned senior Israeli ministers last year over what it described as 'repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities'. More to follow ...