Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Deferred
Recognise the state of Palestine now, in support of a two-state solution.
Conclusion
The Committee agrees with the position taken by successive UK Governments, that the two-state solution is the only possible positive outcome in this conflict. The UK, along with France—the co-signatory of the 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement—should now recognise the state of Palestine while there is still a state to recognise. An inalienable right should not be made conditional. The Government cannot continue to wait for the perfect time because experience shows that there will never be a perfect time, and in hindsight it is possible to see times when it should have occurred. (Recommendation, Paragraph 49)186 186 Recommendation 7 was not unanimously agreed by the Committee - see Formal Minutes 52 Sanctions, Trade, Settlements and Occupation
Government Response Summary
The government's response did not address the recommendation to recognise the state of Palestine, instead focusing on the UK's established position on Israeli settlements and related economic activities.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation to recognise the State of Palestine. On 29 July, the Prime Minister announced that the UK would recognise the state of Palestine in September before UNGA, unless the Israeli government took substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution. On 21 September, in the face of growing horror in the Middle East, the UK officially recognised the state of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state. Since July, when the Prime Minister pledged to take action, the dire situation in the region has only worsened. The horrific scenes in Gaza, the illegal settlements in the West Bank, and the actions of Hamas mean the prospect of a two-state solution is fading fast. We firmly believe that a two-state solution is the only path to justice for Palestinians and enduring security for Israelis. At the moment, neither of those exist, so it is our historic and moral responsibility to act. Our message to the terrorists of Hamas is unchanged and unequivocal. They must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza. Sanctions, Trade, Settlements and Conclusions and recommendation 8–10