On 13th October, British MPs will get the first opportunity in five years to discuss Palestinian statehood. The debate is significant not just because it comes in the aftermath of the horrific attacks on Gaza this summer, and a week after Sweden became the first major European country to recognise Palestine, but because MPs will be able to vote on a motion. The motion states: “That this House believes that the Government should recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel.” In 2012 the Tory-led government shamefully abstained at the UN General Assembly where countries overwhelmingly voted to give Palestine a non-member observer status. At the time, Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Palestinian statehood is not a gift to be given, but a right to be recognised.” In fact Ed Miliband nailed his colours to the mast early on, calling on Israel to recognise the Palestinian right to statehood in his first speech after being elected leader in 2010. He also said he would “strain every sinew” to push for the Gaza blockade to be lifted. So the landmark vote next week also gives Labour an opportunity to hold the government to account for its unwillingness to adequately condemn Israel for the slaughter of Gazans just a few months ago. labourlist.org/2014/10/labour-should-vote-to-recognise-the-state-of-palestine-next-monday/
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:09:23 +0000
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