Britain will target financial services and businesses linked to occupied territories in the West Bank to isolate support for illegal outposts. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, announced that the Burnham government is implementing a trade ban on Israeli settlements. Miliband described the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank as a "stain on the conscience of the world" and condemned "ethnic cleansing by settler terrorists" and alleged war crimes.

The move represents a tougher stance toward Israel, although Miliband condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas and affirmed opposition to those seeking to destroy the state. He also pledged to maintain sanctions on Iran and press Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Addressing a standing ovation, Miliband told protestors and citizens outraged by the conflict that the government has heard them and acknowledged they were right.