Baroness Tonge – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Tonge on 2015-10-19.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to protect British journalists in the light of the assault by Israeli soldiers on two AFP journalists during a West Bank demonstration.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

The safety of British nationals is a key concern. Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice highlights specific risks relating to travel within the Occupied Palestinian Territories, for example, risks relating to Palestinian demonstrations. We also provide consular assistance to British nationals in line with our guidance when it is required. The UK has repeatedly made clear to Israel our longstanding concerns about the manner in which the Israeli Defence Force polices non-violent protests and the border areas, including use of live ammunition. We are also clear that protection of the freedom of the media is an important part of respecting human rights.