DEAL’S IN A RIGHT STATE

I realised Israeli settlements built illegally on Palestinian land weren’t going anywhere as soon as I first saw them.

I’d expected hastily constructed shanty towns which could be easily dismantled.

But they’re vast Barrattstyle housing estates with immaculate gardens. Israelis living there clearly intend to stay.

I could have been standing in a private new development on the outskirts of any British town.

The only difference between there and here were high walls to shield against snipers taking pot shots through living room windows. Donald Trump’s so-called peace deal for the region would allow these settlements to remain under his two-state solution. Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu is unsurprisingly over the moon.

Boris Johnson broadly welcomes the deal, even though British foreign policy has previously been to oppose the settlements.

This will never fly with the Palestinians. And neither should it.

The only real two-state solution is one which gives Israelis no right to plant their feet in both states.

The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Rev Alan Smith, says the new Agriculture Bill won’t produce enough food in an emergency.

Britain is only 60 per cent self-sufficient, and vulnerable should there be an animal movement ban following an outbreak of coronavirus.

The bishop should take his inspiration from our dear Lord. Jesus never had food supply issues.

Not with five loaves and a couple of fishes to hand.