The UK has formally recognised Palestine as an Independent state the Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has announced
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.” Starmer announced in a video released this afternoon
Prime Minister Carney of Canada and Albanese of Australia also announced recognition of the State of Palestine in the same hour.
The Prime Minister added:
“I know the strength of feeling this conflict provokes, we have seen it on our streets, in our schools, in conversations we have with friends and family.
It has created division. Some have used it to stoke division and fear, but that solves nothing.
Not only must we reject hate, we must redouble our efforts to combat hatred in all its forms. We must channel our efforts, united together in hope, behind the peaceful future we want to see.”
Manchester MP Lucy Powell described the announcement as an important moment for the Palestinian people as the Government recognises their statehood but added:
“There is still much more to do to end the horror that is being waged on Gaza but we should not underestimate the significance of recognition.”
Rusholme MP Afzal Khan said that the recognition should be followed by release of all hostages, an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, a halt to settlement expansion and full accountability for all war crimes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the UK’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine ‘absurd’ and ‘a reward for terrorism’,
