Palestine and Israel

Mr Speaker:
A manuscript amendment standing in the name of the right hon. Member for
Blackburn (Mr Straw) and others has been tabled this morningcopies are available
in the Vote !ceand " have selected it. "n a moment# " shall call Mr $rahame M.
Morris to move the motion. "t might be for the convenience of the %ouse for Members
to be told that no fewer than &' right hon. and hon. Members are seeking to catch
m( e(e# in conse)uence of which " am sorr( to have to sa( that there will need to be
a *ve+minute limit on Back+Bench contributions. " understand that at some point#
probabl( around the middle of the debate# the Minister and the shadow Minister wish
to contribute. ,he( are not# of course# so constrained# but " am sure that the( will
want sensitivel( to tailor their speeches# taking account of the level of interest of
their Back+Bench colleagues. Similarl(# the hon. Member for -asington ($rahame M.
Morris) is not sub.ect to the *ve+minute limit# but " know that he will aspire to retain
or to gain the warm regard of his colleagues and will therefore not seek to detain the
%ouse be(ond /& minutes# and preferabl( not be(ond /0.
Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con):
n a point of order# Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker:
"f the hon. $entleman must.
Crispin Blunt:
"t is pertinent to the issue of amendments. An amendment standing in the name of
m( hon. 1riend the Member for Aberconw( ($uto Bebb) has been tabled# and " have
been given two accounts as to whether it has been withdrawn or not selected. "
would be grateful if (ou could illuminate the %ouse# Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker:
" am ver( happ( to illuminate the %ouse. ,hat amendment has not been selected2 the
amendment selected is that in the name of the right hon. Member for Blackburn. " am
grateful to the hon. Member for raising the point.
&.34 pm
Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (La):
" beg to move#
,hat this %ouse believes that the $overnment should recognise the state of 5alestine
alongside the state of "srael.
" wish to place on record m( thanks to the Backbench Business 6ommittee for
allocating time in the main 6hamber for what is obviousl(# given the number of
Members from all parts of the %ouse who have indicated support# a ver( popular and
timel( debate. Ma( " sa( at the outset that " am happ( to support the amendment
standing in the name of m( right hon. 1riend the Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw)
and various other Members7 "t has alwa(s been m( position that recognition of
5alestinian statehood should form the basis of an( future peace negotiations# and the
amendment clari*es that.
Ian Paisle! ("orth #ntrim) ($%P):
8ill the hon. $entleman give wa(7
Grahame M. Morris:
" will# but " suspect " will have to be careful about giving wa(# given the time.
Ian Paisle!:
As the hon. $entleman knows# his part( pla(ed a phenomenall( important role in the
peace process in 9orthern "reland# one of the world:s most successful peace
processes. 8h( not learn from that e;perience and# instead of setting the conclusion
at the beginning of the debate# wait for the debate and the negotiation to take place
in order to reach the conclusion7
Grahame M. Morris:
" thank the hon. $entleman for that intervention butif he will bear with me" hope
to be able to destro( that argument comprehensivel(.
" am *rml( of the opinion that the da( will come when the two+state solution# which "
believe is supported b( all parties on both sides of the %ouse# will collapse and "srael
will face a South African+st(le struggle for e)ual voting rights. As soon as that
happens# the state of "srael is *nished. %on. Members might think that that is
controversial# but the( are not reall( m( words but those of the then "sraeli 5rime
Minister in '00<.
,he two+state solution has been Britain:s stated polic( aim for decades# but in politics
talk often comes cheap. " have participated in numerous debates in 8estminster %all
and in the main 6hamber where " have heard speeches delivered b( Back Benchers
from both sides of the %ouse and from Ministers at the =ispatch Bo; stating our
commitment to a two+state solution
Mrs Cher!l Gillan (Chesham and #mersham) (Con):
Ma( " sa( that man( people support the two+state solution7 8ill he also con*rm that
more than >00 "sraeli *gures signed a letter on Sunda( urging this 5arliament to vote
in favour of the motion# and the( included former Ministers# e;+diplomats and
activists in "srael7
Grahame M. Morris:
" am grateful to the right hon. ?ad( for her intervention. As a friend of 5alestine# "
earnestl( believe that recognition of the state of 5alestine is the onl( wa( forward#
and that it should be the choice of all true friends of "srael. All parties should come
together on that basis. $iven our commitment to a two+state solution and the fact
that an overwhelming ma.orit( of />3 nations voted in favour of 5alestinian
statehood# " was hugel( disappointed b( our decision to abstain on the issue at the
@9 $eneral Assembl(. 8e should regret that decision.
Mr &im Cunningham (Co'entr! South) (La):
,here were no boundaries when the state of "srael was created# so there should be no
prere)uisite for the recognition of a 5alestinian state.
Grahame M. Morris:
" am grateful to m( hon. 1riend. " should like to make some progress# so that all
Members who have e;pressed a wish to speak have the opportunit( to make their
own speci*c points.
,he decision that was taken at the @9 $eneral Assembl( placed Britain not onl( at
odds with the international consensus# but on the wrong side of histor(. Although this
is a cross+part( debate" want to pa( tribute to all colleagues from all parts of the
%ouse who have supported the motion" have to sa( that# as a ?abour M5# " was
proud when m( part( opposed the $overnmentAs decision and said that the British
$overnment should be willing to support the recognition of 5alestinian statehood. "
am proud# too# that ?abour is supporting toda(As call to recognise 5alestine.
Caroline Lu(as (Brighton) Pa'ilion) (Green)
rose
Grahame M. Morris:
" will give wa( .ust one more time.
Caroline Lu(as:
,he hon. $entleman is ver( kind to give wa(# and " congratulate him on securing this
debate. =oes he agree that this is an unprecedented moment7 Sweden has alread(
moved to recognise 5alestine. "f we do not grasp this moment# we will lose a real
opportunit( to push this matter forward and to move closer to peace.
Grahame M. Morris:
" absolutel( agree with the hon. ?ad(. As the originator of the Balfour declaration and
holder of the mandate for 5alestine# Britain has a uni)ue historical connection and#
arguabl(# a moral responsibilit( to the people of both "srael and 5alestine. "n /B'0#
we undertook a sacred trusta commitment to guide 5alestinians to statehood and
independence. ,hat was nearl( a centur( ago# and the 5alestinian people are still to
have their national rights recognised. ,his sacred trust has been neglected for far too
long. As the hon. ?ad( has .ust said# we have an historic opportunit( to atone for that
neglect# and take this small but s(mbolicall( important step.
Mrs Louise Ellman (Li'erpool) Ri'erside) (La*Co+op):
8ill m( hon. 1riend give wa(7
Grahame M. Morris:
" would rather not. " am sure that m( hon. 1riend will have an opportunit( to speak
later. " wish to make some progress.
,he former Secretar( of State for 1oreign and 6ommonwealth ACairs and the current
?eader of the %ouse# the right hon. Member for Dichmond (Eorks) (Mr %ague)# who is
not in his place# told the %ouse that the two+state solution might become impossible
if a settlement were not reached within a (ear. ,hat was in '0/'two (ears ago. "
am pleased to see that the Minister is listening attentivel(# as " e;pect him to stand
at the =ispatch Bo; and tell us that we support a two+state solution and that we
encourage all parties to return to negotiations. " advise him to keep hold of his
speech# because he will soon have another opportunit( to use it given the failure of
so man( similar initiatives.
"t is now more than '0 (ears since the slo accords# and we are further awa( from
peace than ever before. An entire generation of (oung 5alestiniansthe slo
generationhas grown up to witness a worsening situation on the ground. 8e have
seen a signi*cant e;pansion of illegal "sraeli settlements# heightened securit( threats
to both sides# punitive restrictions on 5alestinian movement# economic decline# a
humanitarian crisis in $aFa of catastrophic proportions and the construction of an
illegal anne;ation wall through 5alestinian land.
"t is clear that both "srael+5alestine relations and our foreign polic( are at an impasse#
which must be broken. 8e hear a great deal of talk about the two+state solution.
,oda(# through validating both states# Members will have the opportunit( to translate
all that principled talk into action# but we should be under no illusionstoda( might
be a s(mbolicall( important step# but it will not change the facts on the ground. ,he
continuous blockade of the $aFa strip will not relent and the da(+to+da( realit( of life
under occupation will not change for the ordinar( 5alestinians. pponents of the
motion will use the well+worn argument that statehood should come through
negotiations and not unilateral action.
?et us make no mistake about thisG to make our recognition of 5alestine dependent
on "srael:s agreement would be to grant "srael a veto over 5alestinian self+
determination.
Mr &onathan $,anogl! (-untingdon) (Con):
8ill the hon. $entleman give wa( on that point7
Grahame M. Morris:
?et me *nish this point# and then " will give wa( for the last time. 8e have had a
huge debate on giving up sovereignt( to the -@. British people ma( or ma( not
disagree with that argument# but the( and their representatives here in this %ouse
would feel that it was completel( wrong in practice and in principle if another
sovereign state# be it "srael or an( other countr(# determined our foreign polic(.
Mr $,anogl!:
"srael:s peace treaties with -g(pt and Hordan involved bilateral negotiations and
agreement on both sides. 8h( does the hon. $entleman think that it would work now
unilaterall(7
Grahame M. Morris:
,he evidence of histor( is wh(. ,went( (ears of negotiations have failed# so we need
to move things on. " *rml( believe that we can all rall( around this eCort# and that
that would achieve the desired results.
#ndre. Per(! (Brigg and Goole) (Con)
rose
Grahame M. Morris:
9o# " am afraid " will not give wa(.
Decognition is not an "sraeli bargaining chip2 it is a 5alestinian right. "t is one that has
to form the basis of an( serious negotiations. "ndeed# the lack of e)uit( between
"srael and the 5alestinians is a structural failure that has undermined the possibilit( of
a political settlement for decades. As it stands# "srael has little motivation or
encouragementperhaps little incentive is a better wa( of putting itto enter into
meaningful negotiations. ,he ma.orit( of "sraeli $overnment politicians Iat+out re.ect
the notion of a 5alestinian state. ,here are currentl( no negotiations and# as
Secretar( of State Hohn Jerr( admitted# it was "sraeli intransigence that caused the
collapse of the latest round of talks.
"srael has been unwilling to oCer a viable 5alestinian state through negotiations. "f
the acceleration of the illegal settlement enterprise had not alread( proved that# in
Hul( "sraeli 5rime Minister Bin(amin 9etan(ahu once again ruled out ever accepting a
sovereign 5alestinian state in the west bank.
#ndre. Per(!:
8ill the hon. $entleman give wa( on that point7
Grahame M. Morris:
9o# " will not give wa(.
?et me be clearG to make recognition dependent on negotiations# as some Members
advocate# is to re.ect the two+state solution. Some argue that b( recognising
5alestine# we would undermine negotiations or somehow incite violence# but it is the
s(stematic denial of rights that incites violence and emboldens those who re.ect
politics. ,he knowledge that Britain# once again# is refusing to recognise the rights of
the 5alestinian people will serve onl( to validate those who re.ect diplomac( and to
demonstrate the futilit( of the eCorts of moderates on both sides.
De.ectionists in both "srael and 5alestinethose who oppose an( t(pe of political
settlementwill be delighted to learn that the British 5arliament has refused what
the vast ma.orit( of states have alread( accepted. Members should bear that in mind
before the( cast their vote. ,hose 5alestinians who have pursued the path of
diplomac( and non+violence for more than '0 (ears have achieved ver( little. 8e
need to send them a message and give them encouragement that it is the path of
peace and co+operation# and not the resorting to force of arms# that will actuall( lead
to a lasting and .ust peace. "t will also send a message to "srael that the British
5arliament believes that its illegal settlement enterprise# which has pushed the
possibilit( of a two+state settlement to the brink of collapse# has no validit(
whatsoever and that the international communit( is resolute in its opposition to the
s(stematic colonisation of 5alestinian land.
,he right to statehood has alread( been accepted b( the $overnment# who have said
that the( reserve
Kthe right to recognise a 5alestinian state bilaterall( at the moment of our choosing
and when it can best help bring about peaceL.
"f the( do not do so urgentl(# " contend# and man( informed commentators would
agree with me# that an( hope of a two+state solution# the onl( viable solution# will
disappear altogether. "nstead# "srael will continue its crusade towards the morall(
repugnant and politicall( untenable one+state solution that# in truth# could be
maintained onl( through even greater brutalit( and eCectivel( through apartheid rule
a fate so bleak that an( true friend of "srael would oppose it.
"n conclusion# during the assault on $aFa the leaders of all the main political parties
told Members in this %ouse that the life of a 5alestinian child is worth .ust as much as
the life of an "sraeli child. ,oda(# we can show that we regard both peoples as e)ual
in dignit( and rights not .ust in death but in life. " urge Members to support the
motion and to recognise the state of 5alestine alongside the state of "srael.
4./ pm
Sir Mal(olm Ri/kind (0ensington) (Con):
" listened with great care to the sensitive speech that we have .ust heard from the
hon. Member for -asington ($rahame M. Morris)# and " compliment him on his
balanced remarks. " *nd this a ver( di!cult issue to address# and " do not think the
answer to the )uestion that the %ouse is having to consider is absolutel( on one side
or the other.
"t fell to me when " was 1oreign Secretar( to commit the @nited Jingdom $overnment
for the *rst time to a two+state solution with a 5alestinian state. " have never wavered
in that view and " believe that the earlier that state comes about the better# both for
the 5alestinians and for the middle east as a whole. " also share the frustration of the
hon. $entleman and that of man( other hon. Members about the impasse# which has
causes on both sides of the dispute. " believe that the "sraelis are totall( un.usti*ed in
their settlement polic(. But " must also sa( that the wa( in which the "sraelis# having
withdrawn from $aFa# have been sub.ect to an ongoing attack b( %amas from within
$aFa has clearl( had a massive inIuence on "sraeli public opinion. ,hat has made it
more di!cult to make the progress we would like.
1or me# the most important )uestion is what practical bene*t agreeing this motion
would have. "t might make us feel good and it might make us act in a similar wa( to a
number of other countries around the world# but recognising a state should happen
onl( when the territor( in )uestion has the basic re)uirements for a state. ,hrough no
fault of the 5alestinians# that is not true at the moment.
"t seems to me that the motion is premature. " sa( so for the following reason. 8e do
not have a 5alestinian $overnment2 there are actuall( two $overnments. 5alestine is
split# not because of the "sraelis but because of the conIict between %amas and
1atah. 9ot onl( are the boundaries of the 5alestinian state not known but there is no
5alestinian $overnment with an( control over foreign polic( or defence polic( or who
have an arm( with which to protect the territor( of that state. ,hat is not a criticism2
it is simpl( a factual description of what would normall( be a precondition. ,he @nited
Jingdom did not recognise the state of "srael until /B&0. "t was onl( after what the
"sraelis call their war of independence that the "sraelis demonstrated that the( had
created a state not simpl( through a declaration but through having the fundamental
re)uirements.
8e know that there have been occasions elsewhere in the world when states have
been declared without the means to carr( out the function of a state. 8e have seen it
in South ssetia and AbkhaFia# where the Dussians recognise an independence that
is bogus in realit(. 8e saw it in South Africa# where ,ranskei and Bophuthatswana
were declared independent states when# of course# the( were never an( such thing.
Mr &a(k Stra. (Bla(kurn) (La):
n the issue of the boundaries of a state of 5alestine# surel( their basisalthough not
their detailis ver( clear and is internationall( agreed to be the /B4< boundaries7
Sir Mal(olm Ri/kind:
" will not take issue with the right hon. $entleman on that# but " think that the
boundaries are perhaps the least of the problems that we are addressing. " am sa(ing
something that has applied to British polic( for generations# as it has to the policies
of other countries. 8e recognise a state when the territor( in )uestion has a
$overnment# an arm(# militar( capabilit(M"nterruption.N ,hat might not be
something of which hon. $entlemen would approve
Ste'e Baker (1!(ome) (Con):
8ill m( right hon. and learned 1riend give wa(7
Sir Mal(olm Ri/kind:
" am sorr(# but " do not have time.
%on. Members might not approve of that polic(# but it has been pursued for man(
(ears.
Mr #ndre. Lo'e (Edmonton) (La*Co+op):
8ill the right hon. and learned $entleman give wa(7
Sir Mal(olm Ri/kind:
9o# " am sorr(. " am afraid " cannot in the time available.
8e are told that />& members of the @nited 9ationsman( of which have relativel(
little connection with the middle east# although some have a great connectionhave
recognised 5alestine as a state. ,hat has had no eCect. "t has received '3 hours of
publicit( but has had no marginal# massive or signi*cant impact on the course of
histor(. ,here is a great risk that toda( we will make ourselves feel important and
that our own frustration will lead us to vote for a motion that will not have the desired
eCect and will perhaps make the problems that need to be addressed in reaching a
two+state solution more di!cult to deal with.
" will not detain the %ouse an( further# but will simpl( sa( that s(mbolism sometimes
has a purpose and sometimes has a role# but one does not recognise a state that
does not (et have the fundamental ingredients that a state re)uires if it is to carr(
out its international functions. At the ver( least# " would respectfull( suggest that the
motion is premature.
4.4 pm
Ri(hard Burden (Birmingham) "orth2eld) (La):
,here is so much to sa( about the traged( with which "sraelis and 5alestinians have
lived for so long. ver the (ears# " have spoken about the things " have seen for
m(self# whether that has been settlements growing in violation of international law
and successive resolutions2 the barrier that snakes in and out of the west bank#
cutting 5alestinian communities oC from each other and farmers from the land2 or
5alestinian children being brought in leg irons into "sraeli militar( courts# accused of
throwing stones# and being sub.ect to laws that var( depending on whether one is
5alestinian or "sraeli. " have sat with 5alestinian families in -ast Herusalem who have
had their homes destro(ed and who are no longer allowed to live in the cit( of their
birth. " have seen for m(self the devastation of homes# schools and hospitals in $aFa.
" have met *shermen who are *red on if all the( do is tr( to *sh. Ees# " have been to
Sderot as well and know that "sraelis have spoken about their real fear about rocket
attacks from $aFa. " also know the fear that 5alestinians in $aFa feel dail( because of
the constant buFF of drones overhead# '3 hours a da(# that could bring death at an(
moment.
" have not merel( read about such things2 " have seen them for m(self. ,he( are wh(
a negotiated settlement is so important. 5rinciples are important too# however# in
reaching that negotiated settlement. 1irst# we should act according to international
law and insist that the parties involved do so as well. Secondl(# we should treat
5alestinians and "sraelis as e)uals. 8e have a choice toda(G will we do that# or will we
.ust talk about it7
1or "sraelis# the right of recognition and to self+determination are not the sub.ect of
negotiation but something the( have demanded as a right and that the( were given
as a right more than 4& (ears ago.
&erem! Cor!n (Islington "orth) (La):
" thank m( hon. 1riend for giving wa( and compliment him on all his work. "s he
aware that despite what was said b( the right hon. and learned Member for
Jensington (Sir Malcolm Difkind) and despite the fact that "srael is listed under the
borders put down in /B3O# it has never delineated its own borders7 ur recognition of
5alestine would help to assert 5alestinian rights at this important time.
Ri(hard Burden:
Ees# that is absolutel( right. ,he international position is clearG it is delineated b( the
green line. ,he *nal borders will be negotiated in *nal status negotiations. ,hat is
understood# and that is the same for "srael and for 5alestine. But let us also
remember that it is more than '0 (ears since the 5alestine ?iberation rganisation#
acting on behalf of the 5alestinian people as a whole# recognised the state of "srael.
Eet# despite that# when "srael talks about itself# it still sa(s that it wants constant
rea!rmation of that recognition. %ow man( times have " heard "sraeli Ministers
indeed# some hon. Membersask# K%ow can (ou talk with people who do not
recognise (our right to e;ist7L So for them and "srael# recognition is not about
negotiation2 it is about something fundamental. 8ell# if that is the case for "sraelis#
5alestinians have no fewer rights than that. Decognition for 5alestinians cannot be a
matter of privilege2 it# too# must be a matter of right. ,hat is the problem with the
amendment tabled b( the hon. Member for Aberconw( ($uto Bebb)# because sa(ing
that recognition can onl( happen with the outcome of negotiations ver( much gives
"srael the right of veto not onl( over a 5alestinian state but over the @J 5arliament:s
abilit( to make our own decision to recognise that 5alestinian state.
$r &ulian Le.is ("e. 3orest East) (Con):
8ill the hon. $entleman give wa(7
Ri(hard Burden:
9o. " am afraid that " have given wa( once. ,ime prevents me from doing so an(
more.
"n the %ouse# we make our own decisions# and we act on them bilaterall(. 8e do so
as members of the -uropean @nion and as members of the @nited 9ations. ,he
choice before us is clearG do we want to achieve a two+state solution in practice# with
5alestinians and "sraelis treated as e)uals# or are we content to repeat a theoretical
mantra about two states where the realit( is slipping awa( before our e(es# either
because Ben.amin 9etan(ahu# as he said to ,he ,imes of "srael this summer# has said
that he will never countenance a 5alestinian state that is sovereign in the wa( that he
e;pects sovereignt( for "srael# or because another generation of 5alestinians has
grown up being told that the( must re.ect the path of violence when the onl( realit(
that the( see ahead of them is occupation in the west bank and a blockade in $aFa.
" received an e+mail toda( from a 5alestinian living in -ast Herusalem. %e described
some of his life under occupation in -ast Herusalem and he asked me to sa( this
tonightG K" want to see light at the end of the tunnel# but " reall( want to see light at
the end of the tunnel2 " don:t want to see a train coming at me from the other end.L
,hat is the challenge before us toda(. Are we prepared to give him that light at the
end of the tunnel and to assert that a negotiated solution must be based on e)ualit(G
two states for two peoples# with e)ual rights and each with e)ual stature in the
international communit(7 "f we are going to do that# it is not .ust something to talk
about2 it is something to get on with. 5eople will vote tonight for diCerent reasons#
but if we want to achieve a 5alestinian state in practice# vote for the motion tonight.
4./' pm
Sir Ri(hard 4tta.a! (Cro!don South) (Con):
"f the rest of the debate follows the tone of the three speeches that we have heard so
far# it will be a memorable debate. ,he ne;t few minutes will be personall( rather
painful for me. "t was inevitable right since the time of the holocaust that "srael
clearl( had to be a state in its own right# and Attlee accepted the inevitable and
relin)uished the British mandate. "n 9ovember /B3<# the @nited 9ations supported
the partition resolution. 8hat was on the table then was a settlement that the Arabs
would die for toda(. "n Ma( /B3O# "srael became an independent state and came
under attack from all sides within hours. "n truth# it has been *ghting for its e;istence
ever since.
" was a friend of "srael long before " became a ,or(. M( wife:s famil( were
instrumental in the creation of the Hewish state. "ndeed# some of them were with
8eiFmann at the 5aris conference. ,he holocaust had a deep impact on me as a
(oung man growing up in the aftermath of the second world war# particularl( when "
paid a visit as a schoolbo( to Belsen.
Sir Bo Russell (Col(hester) (L$):
8ill the right hon. $entleman give wa(7
Sir Ri(hard 4tta.a!:
" will not give wa( if the hon. $entleman does not mind.
"n the si;+da( war# " became personall( involved. ,here was a ma.or attempt to
destro( "srael# and " found m(self as a midshipman in the Do(al 9av( based on board
a minesweeper in Aden# sent b( %arold 8ilson to sweep the straits of ,iran of mines
after the SueF canal had been blocked. "n the aftermath of that war# which# clearl(#
the "sraelis won# the Arab states refused peace# recognition or negotiation.
Si; (ears later# in the Eom Jippur war in /B<># the same situation happened again. "t
was an emphatic defeat after a surprise attack. Since then# based on the boundaries
that were framed after the Eom Jippur war# we have had three thwarted peace
agreements# each one better than the last# and we have had two tragediesG the
assassination of Dabin and the stroke suCered b( Ariel Sharon.
,hroughout all this# " have stood b( "srael through thick and thin# through the good
(ears and the bad. " have sat down with Ministers and senior "sraeli politicians and
urged peaceful negotiations and a proportionate response to prevarication# and "
thought that the( were listening. But " realise now# in truth# looking back over the
past '0 (ears# that "srael has been slowl( drifting awa( from world public opinion.
,he anne;ation of the B&0 acres of the west bank .ust a few months ago has
outraged me more than an(thing else in m( political life# mainl( because it makes me
look a fool# and that is something that " resent.
,urning to the substantive motion# to be a friend of "srael is not to be an enem( of
5alestine. " want them to *nd a wa( through# and " am delighted b( (esterda(:s
reconstruction package for $aFa# but with a countr( that is fractured with internal
rivalries# that shows such naked hostilit( to its neighbour# that attacks "srael b( *ring
thousands of rockets indiscriminatel(# that risks the lives of its citiFens through its
strategic placing of weapons and that uses the little building material that it is
allowed to bring in to build tunnels# rather than homes# " am not (et convinced that it
is *t to be a state and should be recognised onl( when there is a peace agreement.
@nder normal circumstances# " would oppose the motion tonight2 but such is m(
anger over "srael:s behaviour in recent months that " will not oppose the motion. "
have to sa( to the $overnment of "srael that if the( are losing people like me# the(
will be losing a lot of people.
4./4 pm
Mrs Louise Ellman (Li'erpool) Ri'erside) (La*Co+op):
" wish to draw attention to m( entr( in the Degister of Members: 1inancial "nterests.
,he tragic clash between Hewish and 5alestinian nationalism can onl( be resolved
with the creation of a 5alestinian state with agreed and secure borders# with
international backing and support# alongside the state of "srael# and the onl( wa( to
bring that about in a lasting and peaceful wa(# to the bene*t of both peoples# is
through direct negotiations# where agreements are made# assurances are given and
where there is full securit( and long+term peace. ,hat needs agreement on borders#
and some agreement has been made# but the diCerences are relativel( small in
length but critical in nature. "t needs agreement on how to share Herusalem# on
refugee issues# agreement on securit( and agreement that setting up a 5alestinian
state would be the end of claims and the end of conIict# not a staging post for an
attack on "srael:s e;istence.
8e should remember that the peace treat( that was signed with -g(pt in /B<B has
stood the test of time# despite drastic changes in regime and $overnments. "n
contrast# "srael:s unilateral withdrawal of settlers and soldiers from $aFa in '00& has
not resulted in peace. "t has led to the terrorist organisation# %amas# violentl(
overthrowing 1atah# launching its barrage of rockets and now directing the terror
tunnels at the civilians of "srael. 8e saw the results in the horrendous events of last
summer.
,wo (ears ago# the 5alestinian Authorit( were given some status in the @nited
9ations in an attempt to look for a diplomatic @9 route to tr( to resolve what
appeared to be intractable problems. 8hat has happened since then# and what use
has been made of that diplomac(7 ,he most recent eCort to *nd a negotiated peace
was that undertaken b( Hohn Jerr(. ,he truth is that it was 5resident Abbas who did
not give an answer to the framework agreement that Hohn Jerr( put forward as a
basis for further negotiations. "srael agreed to it# )uite rightl(# though it did not want
to2 it had to be pushed and pressurised to do so. 5resident Abbas has still not given
an( answer2 instead# he returned to the @nited 9ations.
n '4 September# 5resident Abbas addressed the $eneral Assembl( of the @nited
9ations. ,hat was the sort of approach that the proposed resolution envisagesG no
direct negotiations# and dealing with this b( resolution# and through @nited 9ations
debates. %e spoke about KgenocideL b( "sraelis# and about 5alestinian Kmart(rsL. "s
that the language used about the suicide bombings directed at the (oung people and
civilians of "srael at a time when peace negotiations# following slo# were ver( much
under wa(7 %e spoke about Kforced withdrawalsL. ,hat is not the language of peace.
"t should be remembered that while peace negotiations were under wa( following the
slo negotiations# in one month aloneMarch '00'O0 "sraeli civilians were killed
and 400 in.ured in targeted suicide bombings on the streets of Herusalem# ,el Aviv and
Ashkelon# in a concerted attempt to undermine and destro( that peace process. 9o
wonder there is concern among the people of "srael2 the( know that during those
peace negotiationsit was right to stick to them and to keep going with themterror
groups sent b(# among others# Easser Arafat# were targeting# killing and maiming
"sraeli civilians. ,he "sraeli withdrawal from $aFaa correct# unilateral withdrawal
was followed b( rockets# the terror tunnels# and more and more death.
,his is not an eas( issue2 if it was eas( to resolve# it would have been resolved b(
now. Both Hews and 5alestinians deserve to have their states# and to live in peace and
securit(# side b( side. =irect negotiations are the wa(
Mr $eput! Speaker (Mr Lindsa! -o!le):
rder.
4.'' pm
Sir #lan $un(an (Rutland and Melton) (Con):
,he %ouse is enormousl( grateful to the hon. Member for -asington ($rahame M.
Morris) for securing this debate. " hope that amendment (b)# in the name of the right
hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw)# to which " put m( name# will ma;imise
support tonight for the recognition of 5alestine as a state. " *nd it astonishing that#
having been a Member of this %ouse for '' (ears# " cannot think of a previous
occasion on which we have debated this issue on either a substantive motion# or a
motion such as toda(:s# (et this is the most ve;ed and emotive issue in the entire
region# if not the world.
?et us be clear from the start# to alla( the fears of the hon. Member for ?iverpool#
Diverside (Mrs -llman)# who speaks passionatel( on this sub.ectG " think that all of us
in this %ouse# to a man and a woman# recognise the state of "srael and its right to
e;ist. ur belief in that should not in an( wa( be impugned. ?et us also be clear that
that same right has not been granted to 5alestine2 in m( view# it is high time that it
was. "t is the other half of the commitment that our predecessors in this %ouse made
as part of the British mandate in the region.
" cannot think of an( other populous area of the world that is sub.ect to so man(
resolutions but is not allowed to call itself a state. After the civil war# albeit two (ears
after /B3O# we recognised the state of "srael. "t was still not the tidiest of
Administrations. "ts borders were not clear2 the( still are not. "t had no agreed capital
it wanted Herusalem2 at the moment# it has ,el Avivand no eCective $overnment#
so " do not )uite agree with m( right hon. and learned 1riend the Member for
Jensington (Sir Malcolm Difkind) in his assessment of what it takes to .ustif( granting
statehood to# and recognise# a countr(.
Grahame M. Morris:
,he right hon. and learned Member for Jensington (Sir Malcolm Difkind) said that
5alestine did not have international recognition2 the 8orld Bank and the "nternational
Monetar( 1und have both said that 5alestinian statehood should be recognised.
Sir #lan $un(an:
" agree.
Mrs Gillan
rose
Sir #lan $un(an:
$iven the ver( short time left to me# " will race ahead# if m( right hon. 1riend will
allow me.
8e have accepted as a principle in $overnment that eventuall( there should be
recognition of a 5alestinian state# so this is ultimatel( a matter of timing and
circumstance. ,he %ouse will have been deepl( moved b( the speech of m( right
hon. 1riend the Member for 6ro(don South (Sir Dichard ttawa(). So man( of us go
on a personal .ourne( on this issue# as " have done over the past '0 (ears.
Decognition of statehood is not a reward for an(thing2 it is a right. ,he notion that it
would put an end to negotiations# or somehow pre+empt or destro( them# is patentl(
absurd2 5alestine would still be occupied# and negotiations would need to continue#
both to end that occupation and to agree land swaps and borders. Defusing
5alestinian recognition is tantamount to giving "srael the right of veto.
8hen " was a Minister of State at the =epartment for "nternational =evelopment# we
supported the 5alestinian Authorit(2 over so man( (ears# it was there# a responsible
organisation. "t is not their fault that the( are occupied# and so often have their
revenues withheld b( the "sraelis2 if the( were not withheld# 5alestine would not need
a penn( of British aid. Decognising 5alestine is not about recognising a $overnment.
"t is states that are recognised# not $overnments. 8e are talking about recognition of
the right to e;ist as a state. ,his is not about endorsing a state that has to be in
perfect working order. "t is the principle of recognition that the %ouse should agree to
toda(.
Mrs Gillan:
8ill m( right hon. 1riend give wa(7
Sir #lan $un(an:
" will run out of time# so no2 forgive me.
Some in this %ouse clearl( think that to support "srael# the( must oppose or dela(
such recognition# but that is not the case. B( opposing 5alestinian recognition# the(
are undermining the interests of both "srael and 5alestine. "t is onl( through
recognition that we can give 5alestinians the dignit( and hope that the( need to
engage in further negotiations and to live in a countr( that the( can properl( call
their own. ?et us remember a fundamental principle# on which " will make a more
detailed speech tomorrow morningG settlements are illegal# and the endorsement of
the "sraelis: right to re.ect recognition is tantamount to the endorsement of illegal
settlement activit(.
A lot of people feel intimidated when it comes to standing up for this issue. "t is time
we did stand up for it# because almost the ma.orit( of 5alestinians are not (et in their
'0s. ,he( will grow up stateless. "f we do not give them hope# dignit( and belief in
themselves# it will be a recipe for permanent conIict# none of which is in "srael:s
interests. ,he hon. Member for ?iverpool# Diverside# who speaks on ever( occasion on
this sub.ect# onl( ever catalogues the violence on one side# and this is a tit+for+tat
argument. ,oda(# the %ouse should do its historic dut(.
4.'O pm
Mr &a(k Stra. (Bla(kurn) (La):
" beg to move amendment (b)# at the end of the Puestion to add#
Q# as a contribution to securing a negotiated two state solution.:
" congratulate m( hon. 1riend the Member for -asington ($rahame M. Morris) on
bringing this debate to the %ouse. " also pa( tribute to the e;traordinar( and ver(
moving speech b( the right hon. Member for 6ro(don South (Sir Dichard ttawa()#
which# as " think we all appreciated# was a ver( di!cult speech to make.
As the %ouse will note# the amendment has wide# cross+part( support. "ts purpose is
ver( simple. "t is based on the belief that the recognition of the state of 5alestine
alongside the state of "srael will add to the pressure for a negotiated two+state
solution# and ma( help to bring that prospect a little closer to fruition.
,he KDoad Map to a 5ermanent ,wo+State Solution to the "sraeli+5alestinian 6onIictL
was promulgated at the end of April '00> under the auspices of the Puartetthe @9#
-@# @S and Dussia. ,hough# palpabl(# much of the progress presaged b( the road
map has been confounded b( events# cruciall(# b( the road map# the $overnment of
"srael were signed up to there being a separate and independent state of 5alestine.
ne part of the road map anticipated that Puartet members# which include the @J#
could
Kpromote international recognition of a 5alestinian state# including possible @9
membershipL
as a transitional measure# well before an( *nal status agreement. ,he $overnment of
"srael disagree. ,he( claim that recognition of 5alestine as a state should be at the
conclusion of an( successful peace negotiations. But such an approach would give
the $overnment of "srael a veto# even over whether such a state should e;ist.
Sir #lan Beith (Ber.i(k+upon+5.eed) (L$):
" understand what the right hon. $entleman is tr(ing to achieve b( his amendment#
but how does he think the passing of the motion would encourage either %amas or
the "sraelis to change their approach to negotiation# which has been so unfruitful so
far7
Mr Stra.:
"t is the 5alestinian Authorit( that is part of the negotiations# not %amas. " believe
that the fact of the "sraeli:s intemperate reaction to the ver( prospect of the %ouse
passing this resolution is proof that it will make a diCerence. ,he onl( thing that the
"sraeli $overnment understand# under the present demeanour of Ben.amin
9etan(ahu# is pressure. 8hat the %ouse will be doing this evening will be to add to
the pressure on the $overnment of "srael. ,hat is wh( the( are so worried about this
resolution passing. 8ere it .ust a gesture# as the right hon. and learned Member for
Jensington (Sir Malcolm Difkind) implied# the( would not be bothered at all. ,he( are
ver( worried indeed because the( know that it will have an eCect.
$r Matthe. 46ord (-endon) (Con):
" am grateful to the right hon. $entleman for his contribution# but does he not agree
that this is a Back+Bench motion7 ,his has no eCect on $overnment polic(# and it is
.ust futile.
Mr Stra.:
8e represent the electorate of the @nited Jingdom. " can tell the hon. $entleman#
having spent /> (ears sitting on the ,reasur( Bench# that resolutions passed in the
%ouse# whether the( emanate from Back Benches or 1ront Benches# make a
diCerence# and this resolution will# if it is passed# make a diCerence.
#ndre. Bridgen ("orth 1est Lei(estershire) (Con):
8ill the right hon. $entleman give wa(7
Mr Stra.:
" have had m( ration# if the hon. $entleman will e;cuse me.
A moment:s thought will allow us to appreciate .ust how ill+founded the $overnment
of "srael:s assertion is. "srael has been occup(ing 5alestinian land for nearl( &0 (ears.
"t fails to meet its clear international legal obligations as an occup(ing power. "n the
last '0 (ears# as we have heard# it has compounded that failure b( a deliberate
decision to anne; 5alestinian land and to build "sraeli settlements on that land. ,here
are now 400#000 such "sraeli settlers in -ast Herusalem and the west bank. ,he
"sraelis are seeking to strangle -ast Herusalem b( e;propriating land all around it# and
two months ago# the( announced the illegal anne;ation of a further nearl( /#000
acres of land near Bethlehem. ,he "sraeli $overnment will go on doing this as long as
the( pa( no price for their obdurac(. ,heir illegal occupation of land is condemned b(
this $overnment in strong terms# but no action follows. ,he "sraelis sell produce from
these illegal settlements in 5alestine as if the( were made or grown in "srael# but no
action follows.
"srael itself was established and recognised b( unilateral act. ,he 5alestinians had no
sa( whatever over the recognition of the state of "srael# still less a veto. " support the
state of "srael. " would have supported it at the end of the /B30s. But it cannot lie in
the mouth of the "sraeli $overnment# of all $overnments# to sa( that the( should
have a veto over a state of 5alestine# when for absolutel( certain# the 5alestinians
had no sa( whatever over the establishment of the state of "srael.
,oda(:s debate will# " hope# send a strong signal that the British 5arliament stands full
s)uare behind the two+state solution set out in the road map. ,he current impasse
can be broken# in m( view# onl( b( actions# not simpl( b( words# and the recognition
of 5alestine b( the international communit( would further# not hinder# these aims.
,hree (ears ago on B 9ovember '0//# the right hon. Member for Dichmond (Eorks)
(Mr %ague)# then 1oreign Secretar(# told the %ouseG
K,he @nited Jingdom .udges that the 5alestinian Authorit( largel( ful*ls criteria for
@9 membership# including statehoodL.
%e added that we# the @nited Jingdom#
Kreserve the right to recognise a 5alestinian state bilaterall( at a moment of our
choosing and when it can best help to bring about peace.LM!cial Deport# B
9ovember '0//2 Vol. &>&# c. 'B0.N
,hat moment is now. " urge hon. Members on both sides to support the amendment.
4.>& pm
Mr &ames Clappison (-ertsmere) (Con):
"t is alwa(s a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw)# but "
am afraid to sa( that# having listened carefull( to his speech and the speech of the
hon. Member for -asington ($rahame M. Morris)# " am not as convinced as " would
like to be that this motion would contribute towards a peaceful solution of the
conIict# or that the recognition of 5alestine b( the %ouse in a Back+Bench motion
would somehow unlock a process whereb( the two sides negotiated freel( together
to arrive at a peaceful solution.
,he hon. $entleman said that he would destro( the argument of the hon. Member for
9orth Antrim ("an 5aisle() that taking this step would pre+empt and pre+determine the
result of the negotiations. " am afraid to sa( that having listened carefull( to the hon.
$entleman:s speechhe did not take all interventions on this pointthat argument
was still well in e;istence at the end of his contribution and had not been destro(ed
at all# and it remains there for us to face. " sa( that as a committed supporter of a
two+state solution# which will involve di!cult# if not painful# compromises on both
sides. "t is also something that will take a long time
#ndre. Bridgen:
=oes m( hon. 1riend agree that# given that the political s(stem of the world:s
superpower and our great all( the @nited States is ver( susceptible to well+funded
powerful lobb(ing groups and the power of the Hewish lobb( in America# it falls to this
countr( and to this %ouse to be the good but critical friend that "srael needs# and this
motion tonight .ust might lift that log.am on this ver( troubled area7
Mr Clappison:
,here are powerful lobbies on all sides# and " am sure that m( hon. 1riend would
agree with me in pa(ing tribute to the work that Secretar( of State Jerr( did in tr(ing
to bring both sides to the negotiating table2 he reall( does deserve our staunch
support. But " am sure that m( hon. 1riend would also agree that a peaceful solution
will be achieved onl( b( negotiations b( the parties themselves over all the
outstanding issues# without the issues being determined in advance. ,he )uestion for
the outside world is whether what it does makes a .ust two+state solution more or
less likel(. " believe that international recognition of a 5alestinian state in the terms of
the motion would make a two+state solution less likel( rather than more likel(. " heard
what the right hon. Member for Blackburn said about this. " am afraid that " do not
see "srael# having faced the challenges that it has faced over (ears# caving in to this
Back+Bench motion tonight. "t might be a gesture on the part of the %ouse# but it
would take the process no further. ,he right hon. $entleman and the hon. Member for
-asington can chose to look at this in terms of a veto# but it will re)uire both sides#
including the state of "srael# a democrac(# which is susceptible to public opinion# to
agree to a solution. ,hat is the onl( wa( in which a .ust solution can be achieved.
Grahame M. Morris
rose
Mr Clappison:
" will give wa( to the hon. $entleman if he can answer the point# which " think was
going to be made to him# as to whether he will accept that although "srael has not
done ever(thing alwa(s that it possibl( could to bring about a solution# there have
been repeated occasions in histor(# in the /B>0s and the /B30s# and more recentl(#
when it has been "srael that has agreed to a solution of all the outstanding issues#
and it has not found the hand coming from the other side. ,hat is historical fact.
Grahame M. Morris:
8hat is the hon. $entleman:s solution# given that the former 1oreign Secretar( has
said that the two+state solution is no longer tenable7 $iven the facts on the ground#
as the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw) and numerous other Members
have indicated# with the settlement e;pansion plan400#000 settlersif we are not
going to push ahead with the two+state solution because of the practicalities# what is
the hon. $entleman:s alternative7 "s it a one+state solution7
Mr Clappison:
,he state of "srael has been prepared to agree to a two+state solution in the past# and
" hope that it will do so in future# but that will re)uire both sides to negotiate. " do not
accept the pessimism inherent in the hon. $entleman:s approach# because it is now
clear that the motion is ver( pessimistic. " would like to see a hopeful motion that
looked forward to a peaceful solution that gave 5alestine its state# based on a fair
division of territor(# and all the accoutrements of statehood while at the same time
allowing the state of "srael to en.o( sovereignt( and securit(.
Sir Ed.ard Garnier (-arorough) (Con):
8ill m( hon. 1riend give wa(7
Mr Clappison:
" am afraid that " cannot# because " would run out of time.
" believe that the 5alestinian Authorit( have acted in good faith and are a worth(
partner in negotiations. ,he( have e;pressed their commitment to a two+state
solution. Although he does not actuall( have a state# " believe that 5resident Abbas
has displa(ed statesmanlike )ualities# not least during the recent $aFan conIict# but "
believe that he and his Authorit( are making a mistake in going down the unilateral
road.
,here is a problem# which the hon. Member for -asington did not recognise# in the
form of %amas. %amas is a diCerent matter. Although the 5alestinian Authorit( has
acted in good faith# and although 5resident Abbas has been statesmanlike in man(
wa(s# " am afraid that the 5alestinian Authorit( took a backward step when the(
entered into a unit( deal with %amas in April this (ear. "t would have been *ne if
%amas had shown an( inkling that it was moving towards a peaceful solution# but it
has not. "t has had man( opportunities to commit to the re)uirements of the
international communit( and sa( that it will go down the road of peace# but from its
inception# and according to the tenets of its founding charter# it has set its face
against an( sort of peaceful co+e;istence with the state of "srael and turned its hand
to a campaign of unremitting terror and violence. 9o $overnment would stand b( and
allow such a campaign to be directed against its population without taking
proportionate measures in self+defence.
8e must not overlook the factit is often overlookedthat %amas has caused $aFa#
a rather sad place to sa( the least# to be locked into a deepl( depressing c(cle of
violence# intending to inIict casualties on "srael and reckless as to the conse)uences
for the civilian population in $aFa. "t is against that background that we must
approach these issues.
" ver( much hope that in future %amas will show some willingness to become part of
a peaceful solution and to engage in normal democratic politics and peaceful and
legal means# but it has not done that so far. ,he pressure should be on %amas to
desist its campaign of violence and enter into negotiations genuinel(# together with
the 5alestinian Authorit(# with the state of "srael.
,his is a terrible conIict. 8e must all look forward to the da( when both sides get
down to the business of making the compromises that will be needed to bring it to an
end. "srael certainl( has to make compromises as well# but in the meantime we
should all take steps that will make those compromises more# rather than less# likel(.
M( fear is that the motiona unilateral recognition of the 5alestinian stateb(
encouraging one part( to walk awa( from negotiations# would put oC that da(. 8e
should be doing ever(thing we can to induce both sides to negotiate# because onl(
that wa(# as our $overnment have recognised# will we see a peaceful solution to this
problem.
4.3> pm
Sir Gerald 0au/man (Man(hester) Gorton) (La):
,here are 4 million "sraeli Hews. ,here are /#400#000 5alestinians in "srael# '#<00#000
on the west bank and /#O00#000 in $aFa. ,he 5alestinians now outnumber the "sraeli
Hews# and that is without taking into account the & million 5alestinians in refugee
camps and in the diaspora. ,he big diCerence# of course# is that the "sraelis have a
secure state and the 5alestinians live under oppression da( after da(.
,he right hon. and learned Member for Jensington (Sir Malcolm Difkind) wove a
fantas( that the Hews were reunited when the state of "srael was created and that the
5alestinians were split# and we have .ust heard again about the wickedness of %amas
" do not condone what %amas does# and " realise that it is a useful tool for those
who wish to portra( the 5alestinians as divided and unreliable. %is fantas( was that
all was harmonious when "srael was created# but the "sraelis were divided into three
warring factions at that timeG the %aganah# representing the o!cial Hewish agenc(2
the terrorist organisation "rgun Rvai ?eumi2 and the terrorist Stern gang. "srael nearl(
broke out into civil war immediatel( after it was founded because "rgun insisted on
having its own arm( in an independent state. So the idea that "srael was somehow
born in a moment of paradise and that all that surrounds the 5alestinians is stress
and damage is a fantas(.
8here are we now7 ,he situation was not ideal for "srael then# and it is not ideal for
the 5alestinians now# but divided "srael survived and survives even though it is still
divided. ?ook at the amaFing divisions in the "sraeli $overnment# with the
e;traordinar( e;tremism of the Eisrael Beiteinu part(# which makes the @J
"ndependence part( look like cos( internationalists# (et it is part of the $overnment.
,he "sraelis are harming the 5alestinians da( after da(. ?ast week the @S State
=epartment denounced a settlement e;pansion of '#400 that the "sraelis are
planning. ?ast week the new president of the 9ew "srael 1und# ,alia SassonHewish
and pro+"sraeldenounced the e;pansion of settlements again in the west bank. ,he
"sraelis# with the checkpoints# the illegal wall and the settlements# are making a
coherent 5alestinian state impossible.
,hat is wh( it is essential to pass this motion# because it would be a game changer.
,he recognition of 5alestine b( the British %ouse of 6ommons would aCect the
international situation. ,his %ouse can create an historic new situation. " call on right
hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the %ouse to give the 5alestinians their
rights and show the "sraelis that the( cannot suppress another people all the time. "t
is not Hewish for the "sraelis to do that. ,he( are harming the image of Hudaism# and
terrible outbreaks of anti+Semitism are taking place. " want to see an end to anti+
Semitism# and " want to see a 5alestinian state.
4.3O pm
Sir "i(holas Soames (Mid Susse7) (Con):
" congratulate the hon. Member for -asington ($rahame M. Morris) on securing the
debate. " think that " am right in sa(ing that the last time a debate of this t(pe took
place was in /BO&# which was a long time ago# and that is not to the %ouse:s credit. "
congratulate m( right hon. 1riend the Member for 6ro(don South (Sir Dichard
ttawa() on a formidabl( powerful speech. " congratulate m( right hon. 1riend the
Member for Dutland and Melton (Sir Alan =uncan)# who also made a formidable
speech.
" am convinced that recognising 5alestine is both morall( right and in our national
interests. "t is morall( right because the 5alestinians are entitled to a state# .ust as
"sraelis are rightl( entitled to their homeland. ,his %ouse should need no reminding
of the terms of the Balfour declaration# which rightl( endorsed
Kthe establishment in 5alestine of a national home for the Hewish peopleL
but went on to state that
Knothing shall be done which ma( pre.udice the civil and religious rights of e;isting
non+Hewish communities in 5alestineL.
9inet(+seven (ears later# the terms of the Balfour declaration are clearl( not upheld
with respect to the 5alestinians# and in Britain that should weigh ver( heavil( upon us
indeed. "t is in our national interest to recognise 5alestine as part of a drive to
achieve lasting peace. 8e face so man( dire emergencies in the middle east toda(2
we cannot aCord to add to them the continuing failure of the middle east peace
process and the inevitable death of the two+state solution. ,his step b( Britain and
other nations is needed to galvanise talks that are paral(sed and indicate that the
status )uo is not onl( untenable# but wholl( unacceptable.
"t is said that bilateral recognition would harm the prospects for negotiations between
the "sraelis and the 5alestinians# but the sad truth is that that eCort has failed.
9egotiations have completel( broken down and there is not the remotest sign of a
possible breakthrough. ,he catacl(sm in S(ria# the emergence of "slamic State and
the > million S(rian refugees bringing neighbouring countries to their knees have
made the situation in the middle eastalread( a cauldroneven more dangerous.
Moreover# as others have said# />& of /B> @9 member states have alread(
recognised 5alestine in recent (ears. @nless it is an(one:s serious contention that
those member states are responsible for the failure of the negotiations# the act of
recognition itself clearl( does not wreck the prospects for peace. 8hat does impede
peace is a dismal lack of political will to make the necessar( concessions and a
tendenc( in "srael to believe that it will alwa(s be sheltered b( the @nited States from
having to take those di!cult steps. Decognition b( the @nited Jingdom would be a
strong signal that the patience of the world is not without limit.
Secondl(# it is said that recognition would be an empt( gesture that would not
change the facts on the ground. ,hat is true# but it is not a reason not to recognise
5alestine# which would be purel( a political decision b( the @nited Jingdom as a
sovereign 5arliament. "t would be a powerful gesture to 5alestinians that the( will
obtain their state in the future after 3< (ears of cruel and un.ust occupation and it
would strengthen the hand of 5resident Abbas against %amas.
"ndeed# recognising 5alestinians would be onl( a small and logical evolution of the
current position of the @nited Jingdom. "t has been the $overnment:s view since
'0// that the 5alestinian Authorit( have developed successfull( the capacit( to run a
democratic and peaceful state founded on the rule of law and living in peace and
securit( with "srael. ,o paraphrase a familiar e;pression# if it looks like a state and
ful*ls the criteria for a state# surel( it should be recognised as a state. 8hat entitles
the @nited Jingdom to withhold a recognition that is the birthrightthe long overdue
birthrightof each and ever( 5alestinian child7 "t would be shameful not to take the
step of recognition now# when it would make a real diCerence.
,he @nited Jingdom was a midwife at the birth of "srael and is a permanent member
of the @9 Securit( 6ouncil. ,hat means an aspiration to take a lead in world aCairs.
8e should take that lead now on this vital issue through a decisive vote of the British
%ouse of 6ommons.