William Hague has called for a two state solution “which brings security to both Israelis and Palestinians.”

The Foreign Secretary told the Conservative Party Conference that the coalition government’s “strong support” of the Middle East peace process comes from the need for Britain to pursue foreign policy that reduces the human and financial costs of conflict.

Addressing a session on defence and foreign affairs at the event in Birmingham, Mr Hague said that building in West Bank settlements “makes talking harder and therefore the long term position of [Israel] less secure.”

He said: “In recent days we have been pressing the Israeli government to hold back the settlement building.”

Mr Hague also said that the Foreign Office is "energetically engaged" in efforts to improve security in Yemen.

A French national was killed and several others injured this morning in the capital city, Sanaa, after militants fired a grenade at a British embassy car.