An Al Jazeera investigation found that the UK public sector holds 125 contracts worth a combined £2.129 billion with 17 companies commercially linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The findings emerged as more than 140 Labour Party MPs called for a ban on trade connected to illegal settlements, an issue Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering.

The investigation analysed public procurement records, company registration documents and corporate information. It said subsidiaries owned or controlled by firms listed by the UN for settlement-related activities had received major UK public-sector contracts covering road maintenance, transport, emergency services and driving-licence work. International law professor Stephen Humphreys said continuing such contracts raises questions about whether the UK is breaching international obligations.

Motorola Solutions-controlled companies accounted for more than £1.7 billion, including a £1.562 billion Home Office contract for Airwave Solutions to extend secure communications networks for emergency services. Heidelberg Materials-linked companies held £184.79 million in contracts, while Egis-linked firms held £133.60 million. The Cabinet Office said contracting authorities decide exclusions case by case and procurement should not be used to boycott suppliers absent formal sanctions, embargoes or restrictions.