Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what the objectives of Government policy on the Middle East Peace Process are for 2011;

(2) what his most recent assessment is of progress on the Middle East Peace Process.

Alistair Burt MP; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State; The window for peace in the middle east is closing as the facts on the ground change: there is an urgent need for progress to secure a two state solution, based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the future capital of two states and with a fair settlement for refugees. This is important for Israelis, for Palestinians and for the international community, including the UK. We understand the depth of Israeli security concerns. But the strength of our friendship means that we can and must say frankly that we were disappointed that Israel did not renew the freeze on settlement construction and that peace talks are currently on hold. We will continue to work with the United States, the parties to the conflict and with our EU and UN partners to return to direct negotiations to achieve a two state solution.