I like many of my colleagues am alarmed at Israel annexation plans.

Any further Israeli annexation of occupied territory is a grave breach of international law and a threat to the international rules-based order.  It sets a worrying precedent for other conflict areas.

Any annexation would have a major impact on Palestinian lives.  Many would lose land or be at further risk of being evicted from their homes. It would destroy the very slim chances of any future two-state solution so vital for peace, stability and security for all in the region.

Indeed last week’s UN Security Council meeting joint statement said “Annexation would have negative consequences for the security and stability of the region, including the security of Israel, which is not negotiable for us.” They went on to say “However following our obligations and responsibilities under international law, annexation would have consequences for our close relationship with Israel.”

The Belgian Parliament recently passed with a big majority a resolution urging the government to act to prevent Israel from unilaterally annexing parts of the West Bank.

And I was one of the 149 cross party British politicians who signed a letter in May to our Prime Minister demanding that any annexation of occupied Palestinian territory “will have severe consequences including sanctions”.

If the Israeli Government proceeds with its planned annexation, the British Labour party would support a ban on goods produced from the illegal settlements in the West Bank.

We call on the British government to do likewise and most importantly hope that Israel stops annexation plans now.