Britain-Palestine APPG warns banks and financial institutions about involvement  in major Israeli E1 settlement project

23 September 2026

The co-Chairs of the Britain-Palestine All Party Parliamentary Group, Debbie Abrahams MP and Andy McDonald MP, have written to UK banks, financial institutions and other entities that may consider involvement in Israel's E1 major settlement project that would divide the West Bank and forcibly displace Palestinian communities, contrary to international law. Coverage of the letter can be found in the Guardian.

In explaining why companies, institutions and organisations are being written to, the letter states: "We are writing as part of a wider enquiry into how UK-connected financial institutions assess potential settlement-related exposure across banking, investment, asset management, private capital, insurance and payments. Selection for this enquiry does not establish that your institution is involved in E1 or any other settlement activity. We are seeking a reasoned account of the governance and due-diligence processes relevant to your business, including where your assessment finds no relevant exposure."

In asking what is required of companies, institutions and organisations it also adds: "We ask you to place potential E1 and settlement-related exposure on the Board's agenda and on the risk register, and to reach a reasoned decision on whether the associated sanctions, legal and reputational risk sits within the institution's stated risk appetite."

The letter can be read in full below: