Catholic and Anglican bishops from the Holy Land Coordination group have called on the UK government and parliamentarians to help prevent annexation of the West Bank, which could begin on July 1.

Their intervention follows a recent statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster expressing the churches’ strong opposition to plans for annexation, which local Christian leaders have warned would “bring about the loss of any remaining hope for the success of the peace process.”

Rt Rev Declan Lang (Bishop of Clifton and Chair of the Holy Land Coordination group) and the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun (Bishop of Southwark and Anglican representative on the Holy Land Coordination group) said: “From our dialogue with communities in the Holy Land, we know first-hand that the situation is rapidly deteriorating. Annexation would only bring more conflict, suffering and division.

“The UK government has a duty to act and to do everything possible to dissuade the government of Israel from annexing the West Bank in violation of international law.

“This week we have made representations to the government and senior parliamentarians about the situation. Alongside other churches and faith groups we will continue to work on this fundamental question of justice and peace.”