THIS response is from my MP, Mr Robert Buckland, which I don’t agree with, but it is our government’s view, and I quote: “The Government’s position is that the settlement building is illegal under international law, but that sanctions would not be the best way to take action against this breach of law; instead, this is a matter for... the international community as a whole, not simply Britain.

“We enjoy a close and productive relationship with Israel which enables us to express our views at senior levels very frankly.

“Imposing sanctions on Israel would lessen this influence, not increase it, and would not promote the urgent progress towards a two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which we want to see.

“It is also worth noting that the Government’s position on this matter is consistent with our international obligations.”

Now we all agree that there is wrongdoing on both sides, but my main gripe is that this government and many around the world seem to pick and choose which breaches of international law it will actually act upon, and in this case I would like to draw your attention to his phrase, “We enjoy a close and productive relationship with Israel which enables us to express our views at senior levels very frankly.”

My question is just how much effect has all this talking had?

And I answer myself – absolutely none! Illegal settlement building has been going on for decades, is ongoing and there is no sign of it being reversed by these frank exchange of views.

I don’t know why the international community is taking no action, but it does beg the question, is there some form of extreme lobbying, or worse still, infiltration in governments that allows the situation to continue?

How many have heard any international organisation or government mention Israel’s breaches of international law, and their disappointment with Israel in this, during any statement or press release during this current situation?

I have heard nothing, and our Prime Minister Mr David Cameron dismissed it out of hand when asked a question in our Parliament recently regarding the firing of rockets from Gaza not happening in a vacuum.

We and the the international community are taking action against other countries that are in breach of international law, so my message is that we either enforce international law against all those nations who breach it or none; and breaches should be pursued with the same vigour, and not ignored.

Mathew Koelz, Bradenham Road, Swindon