UK public sector holds £2.1bn in contracts with firms linked to Israeli settlements

An investigation has revealed that at least 17 companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank hold United Kingdom public-sector contracts valued at more than £2.1 billion ($2.85 billion). Data compiled by procurement analysts Tussell shows these entities have secured 125 contracts across various British public services, including transport, road maintenance, emergency services, and driving licensing.

Among the companies identified by the United Nations as being involved in settlement activity are Motorola Solutions, through its subsidiary Airwave Solutions, which accounts for over £1.7 billion of the total value. Other involved groups include Germany’s Heidelberg Materials, the French engineering firm Egis, the Spanish manufacturer CAF, and the Chinese conglomerate Fosun.

Legal experts, including Stephen Humphreys of the London School of Economics, have noted that the UK may be in breach of international obligations by contracting with entities identified by the UN as providing assistance to settlements. This follows a July 2024 International Court of Justice ruling stating that Israel’s presence in occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful. Currently, more than 140 Labour MPs are urging the government to ban trade with these settlements.