Britain will recognize Palestinian state before end of current parliament's term - minister
Kyiv • UNN
Business and Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds stated that the United Kingdom will recognize a Palestinian state before the end of the current parliament's term in 2029, if it contributes to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. This decision should be used to achieve a breakthrough in the conflict, rather than as a symbolic step.
Business and Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds said ministers "want" and "recognize" a Palestinian state before the end of the current parliament, whose term expires in 2029, if it helps the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. This is reported by UNN with reference to Politico.
Details
Asked by Sky News whether the recognition demanded by hundreds of British MPs would happen in this parliament, Reynolds replied: "In this parliament, yes, I mean, if it provides the breakthrough we need. But don't forget, we can only do this once. If we do it symbolically, without ending this conflict, where do we go from here?"
These comments come amid growing pressure on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel faces growing international condemnation over scenes of starving children in the sector.
More than 200 MPs from nine parties signed a letter on Friday calling for immediate recognition of a Palestinian state, arguing that it would have a "significant impact due to our historical ties." French President Emmanuel Macron raised the stakes last week by committing France to such a move.
While Starmer insists that statehood is an "inherent right" of the Palestinian people, he has so far refrained from setting a timeline for such a move. He stated that recognition would occur "at the time most conducive to the prospects for peace."
I know many countries around the world have already done this. Frankly, it hasn't stopped the terrible scenes we're talking about this morning. So we have to use this moment — you can only do it once. Use it in a way that achieves the breakthrough we need. And the US plays a really important role in this.
The Prime Minister will convene his cabinet later this week to discuss the situation in Gaza.
Addition
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognize Palestine as an independent state in September this year at the UN General Assembly. He emphasized the need to end the war in the Gaza Strip, release hostages, and rebuild Gaza.