MPs urge UK to immediately recognise Palestinian state

MPs urge UK to immediately recognise Palestinian state

Members of Parliament are calling for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to acknowledge the state of Palestine, following indications from France that it will do so in the near future. The majority of MPs on the Commons foreign affairs committee are in support of immediate recognition of Palestine. The committee argues that statehood is a fundamental right that should not be contingent on certain conditions. However, there are differing opinions within the committee, with Tory members suggesting that recognition should be part of a broader political solution in the Middle East.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would officially recognize Palestine at a UN meeting in September. Despite previous comments from Sir Keir suggesting that recognition should be timed for optimal impact, the committee report urges the UK government to act promptly, emphasizing that waiting for the perfect moment may never materialize. Notably, there is a divided opinion within the committee, reflecting the complexity of the issue.

While some Labour MPs and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan have voiced their support for immediate recognition of Palestine, there are reservations among Conservative members who advocate for recognition to be a part of a two-state solution. With approximately 139 countries having already recognized Palestine, pressure mounts on the UK to take a definitive stance on the matter. Concerns over the lack of meaningful progress and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue to drive the debate surrounding Palestinian statehood.

In addition to calls for recognition, MPs are also pushing for a new aid distribution system in Gaza and raising questions about the UK’s compliance with international law in exporting parts for Israeli fighter jets. The MPs unanimously supported the report endorsing a UN-led aid distribution mechanism in Gaza. The UK’s stance on aid distribution and arms exports to Israel remains a contentious issue, as the situation in the region continues to escalate

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