Over 100 British MPs support Palestinian UN bid

Over 100 British MPs from across seven political parties have signed a parliamentary motion supporting UN recognition of Palestine. The motion, tabled by Richard Burden MP, has been signed by 102 MPs including former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and other former ministers from both Labour and Conservative governments. The motion adds to the growing support within the UK for the Government to vote in favour of the Palestinian request to become a non-member observer state at the UN General Assembly this week. Foreign Affairs Minister William Hague announced in the House of Commons on Wednesday that the British government would abstain in the vote on a non member Palestinian state if Palestine had pre-conditions to return to dialogue with Israel. Hague said: “Up until the time of the vote itself, we will remain open to voting in favour of the resolution, if we see public assurances by the Palestinians on these points, "However, in the absence of these assurances, the UK would abstain on the vote.” Labour and most UK opposition parties already support UN recognition of Palestine. This weekend it was reported that the Deputy Prime Minister and the Liberal Democrats support it too. Richard Burden MP, Chair of the Britain-Palestine All Party Parliamentary Group, said: “Proper recognition of Palestine by the UN General Assembly is not the same as peace in the Middle East, but it is a step on the road. Voting in favour is one way of trying to move the situation in the Middle East forward and rekindle hopes that there is a credible route to a negotiated two state solution. “Given the recent Gaza crisis, it is also a way of showing that there are non-violent options for the Palestinians to achieve freedom and statehood and that the international community will support these options. “It is time to help level the playing field. An independent and recognised state of Israel alongside an independent and recognised state of Palestine. Both people realising their legitimate right to self-determination.”