221 MPs, from 9 parties, have sent a joint letter to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary urging them to recognise Palestine as a state now.
Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire, is one of the names that has signed the letter.
The letter that was signed by 221 MPs and send to the Prime Minister said:
‘We write to you in advance of the UN Conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia on the 28th-29th July in New York, to put on record our support for UK recognition of a Palestinian state.
‘We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality.
‘Whilst we appreciate the UK does not have it in its power to bring about a free and independent Palestine, UK recognition would have a significant impact due to our historic connections and our membership on the UN Security Council, so we urge you to take this step.
‘British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine.
‘Since 1980 we have backed a two-state solution.
‘Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people under that Mandate.
‘This is a cross-party letter to show the support across the House for recognition of a Palestinian state.
‘A two-state solution has been the cross-party consensus for decades.
‘On the 13th October 2014 the House overwhelmingly moved the following motion.’
‘That this House believes that the Government should recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel.’
‘That is still the position of the undersigned and we urge you to officially recognise the state of Palestine at the Conference next week.’
