A group of more than 130 legal professionals, including 18 King’s Counsel (KCs), has formally challenged the UK government’s recent approach to trade with Israeli settlements. The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, argues that the measures announced last week by Foreign Secretary David Lammy—which include an import ban on goods produced in illegal settlements—do not go far enough to meet the United Kingdom's responsibilities under international law.

The experts base their argument on the recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories to be unlawful. The signatories, who include prominent legal figures such as Michael Mansfield KC, Imran Khan KC, and former Lord Justice of Appeal Alan Moses, assert that the government’s current policy fails to adequately address the legal implications of this ruling. They are calling for more comprehensive action to ensure the UK is not complicit in maintaining what the ICJ has described as an illegal presence in the region.

The UK government has maintained that its recent import ban represents a significant step in holding the settlements accountable. However, the legal experts argue that these steps are merely symbolic if they do not include broader economic and diplomatic sanctions. The letter highlights a growing tension between the government’s current diplomatic strategy and the expectations of legal scholars who believe the UK is failing to uphold its commitments to international justice frameworks.