Occupied Palestinian
Territories and Israel
(Hammersmith) (Lab)
With reference to the resolution of the House of 13 October 2014,
what steps the Government are taking to recognise the state of
Palestine alongside the state of Israel, as a contribution to
securing a negotiated two-state solution. [907437]
(Eastbourne) (Con)
What diplomatic steps he is taking to help secure peace between
Israel and the Palestinian people. [907441]
The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa ()
The UK is a strong supporter of Palestinian state building
efforts. In 2019, we spent £81 million in the Occupied
Palestinian Territories. Part of that contribution is helping to
build Palestinian state institutions; fostering private
sector-led sustainable economic growth; and providing technical
assistance to strengthen the Palestinian Authority’s financial
management. However, such progress can never be a substitute for
a political settlement, which is why the Foreign Secretary
visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in August
actively to encourage Israel and the Palestinian leadership to
renew co-operation and work together. I also discussed this
matter with UN special co-ordinator Mladenov on 1 October.
That is not an answer. Six years ago today, this House voted by
274 votes to 12 to recognise the state of Palestine. Three years
ago, the Prime Minister, then Foreign Secretary, said that
“you have to have a two-state solution or else you have some kind
of apartheid system”.
How can there be a two-state solution without two states? The
UK’s recognition of the state of Israel shows that we respect its
non-negotiable rights. Why should our recognition of the state of
Palestine be a matter for negotiation? Are Palestinians entitled
to less respect and fewer rights than the Israelis?
As I have said, the UK Government have supported the Palestinian
Authority in putting in place the building blocks for a future
Palestinian state, which we recognise. We have been very vocal
that our preferred option is a safe, stable two-state solution,
with a prosperous and peaceful Palestinian state neighbouring a
prosperous and peaceful Israeli state.
The middle east is changing before our eyes and the significance
of Israel’s peace agreements with the UAE and Bahrain cannot be
overstated. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this new
development between Israel and her Arab neighbours changes the
narrative, creates a new dynamic in the region, and gives rise to
new hope for a peace deal?
The normalisation of relations represents a move towards peace in
the region, and the UK strongly welcomes that. We encourage other
states to choose the same path, but, ultimately, there is no
substitute for direct talks between the Palestinians and Israel,
which is the only way to reach a two-state solution and a lasting
peace. We do hope that normalisation can encourage dialogue
between the parties and the UK stands ready to support such
efforts.
