UK Government Faces Calls to Recognise Palestinian State
The UK government is under pressure to recognise a Palestinian state, with over a dozen MPs from across the political spectrum calling for immediate recognition. Middle East minister Hamish Falconer has stated that while the government supports the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to a state, “practical measures” are still needed before recognition can take place.
According to Middle East Eye, Falconer made his comments in a debate on Tuesday following a visit by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to London and the signing of a UK-Palestinian memorandum of understanding. The memorandum affirms the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution and includes £101m in aid for humanitarian relief, economic development, and governance reform in Palestine.
The debate comes as French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state soon, potentially as early as June at a UN conference on the two-state solution. Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, asked Falconer if the UK would follow suit. “Does my honourable friend agree that now is the time to take the next serious step, which is to finally recognise the state of Palestine?” she asked. “The best time to do that might be alongside the French in New York in June.”
Falconer responded that the government’s position on recognition remained unchanged. “We do wish to recognise a Palestinian state, and we wish to do so as a contribution to a two-state solution,” he said. “We will make the judgment about when the best moment is to try to make the fullest possible contribution.” As Middle East Eye reports, Falconer also noted that several countries, including 147 UN member states, have already recognised Palestinian statehood.
However, Falconer suggested that there are still significant challenges to overcome before a Palestinian state can be recognised. “While we are committed to the inalienable right of the Palestinians to a state as part of a two-state solution, let us not pretend that there are not vexed issues at the centre of what a Palestinian state would look like,” he said. These issues include security and governance, which he described as “final-status determinations”. As the Middle East Eye notes, these issues must be resolved before two states can coexist.
The debate also raised concerns about the viability of a Palestinian state in the near future, given the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank. Conservative MP Desmond Swayne asked: “For how long does the minister think he will be able to recognise a Palestinian state that retains sufficient economically viable land to actually be a goer?” In response, Falconer stated that the British government is focused on changing the facts on the ground and will take a practical approach to recognition.
As reported by Middle East Eye, a majority of UN member countries have recognised Palestinian statehood, but other countries, including Canada, Italy, and Germany, have not. The UK government’s position on recognition has been questioned by several MPs, who argue that recognition would be a significant step towards a two-state solution. The Middle East Eye has provided comprehensive coverage of the debate, highlighting the complexities and challenges surrounding the recognition of a Palestinian state.
The issue of recognition has significant implications for the Middle East peace process. As Middle East Eye notes, the UK government’s decision on recognition will be closely watched by other countries and will likely have an impact on the international community’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Middle East Eye will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
In conclusion, the UK government’s position on recognition of a Palestinian state remains unchanged, but the debate has highlighted the complexities and challenges surrounding the issue. As reported by Middle East Eye, the government will continue to take a practical approach to recognition, focusing on changing the facts on the ground. The Middle East Eye will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the issue, providing updates on the UK government’s position and the implications for the Middle East peace process.
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