Churches call on UK Government to deter annexation of West Bank

The Moderator has joined church leaders from across the UK in calling on the Westminster Government to help deter annexation of the West Bank, which could begin on 1 July.

Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair joined representatives from the United Reformed Church, Quakers in Britain, the Methodist Church, the Church of England and Catholic Church in signing a letter sent to the UK government. The letter said:

"We stand alongside the Holy Land's Christian leaders, who have warned that the Israeli Government's plan to annex parts of the West Bank after 1 July "would bring about the loss of any remaining hope for the success of the peace process.

"All our Churches are committed to promoting justice and peace for everyone who calls the Holy Land their home.

"If annexation proceeds, it would gravely undermine international law with serious consequences for the common good of our global society.

"The UK Government should do everything in its power to deter annexation. Only a robust response, working alongside others in the international community, can help to prevent this tragedy.

"We remain united in prayer that plans for annexation will be abandoned, allowing for renewed efforts towards a negotiated solution that upholds the human dignity of Palestinians and Israelis alike."

• Derek Estill, Moderator of the General Assembly, United Reformed Church
• Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland
• Paul Parker, Recording Clerk, Quakers in Britain
• Rev Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Methodist Conference
• Rt Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, Church of England
• Rt Rev Declan Lang, Bishop of Clifton, Catholic Church

Read the full statement from The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of the Holy Land Churches