Dear Gordon Thank you for contacting me about the debate on the 13th of October. Labour will be voting for the motion on 13th October because it reflects our support for the principle of recognition of Palestinian statehood. Palestinian statehood is not a gift to be given but a right to be recognised and that is why since 2011 Labour has supported Palestinian recognition at the United Nations. The events of recent months underline the dangers for both Palestinians and Israelis of a resumption of violence and bloodshed, and I want to see this conflict resolved through negotiations. It is our view that the international community must take steps to strengthen moderate Palestinian opinion, encourage the Palestinians to take the path of politics, rather than a path of violence, and rekindle hopes that there is a credible route to a viable Palestinian state and a secure Israel achieved by negotiations. We are clear that Palestinian recognition at the UN would be such a step. That is why in 2011 and in 2012, Labour called on the then Foreign Secretary, William Hague, to commit Britain to supporting the Palestinians bid for recognition at the UN, not as a means of bypassing the need for talks, but as a bridge for restarting them. Labour’s consistent support for the principle of recognising Palestinian statehood, as part of continuing steps to achieve a comprehensive negotiated two state solution, is why I will be voting to support the principle of Palestinian statehood when the House of Commons debates the issue on Monday. The timing and the mechanism by which Palestinian statehood would be recognised will continue to be a matter decided by Labour in Government. Thank you once again for your support on this important matter and I will keep you updated following the debate. Best regards Cathy
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 08:42:23 +0000
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