LONDON: A group of senior Conservative MPs and peers in the UK have broken ranks with their own party and called on the government to immediately recognize Palestine as a state.
In a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer drafted in late March, seven MPs and six House of Lords peers urged the government to give formal recognition to Palestine, The Guardian reported.
It comes ahead of critical UN talks on the issue next month.
The letter, seen by The Guardian, was authored just after Israel broke its tenuous peace agreement with Hamas in March.
The breakdown in negotiations and peace efforts worsened this week after the Israeli cabinet approved plans to “conquer” and occupy almost all of the Gaza Strip.
Former government minister Kit Malthouse, from the moderate wing of the opposition Conservative Party, organized the letter.
It said: “For decades, the Palestinian people have endured occupation, displacement and systemic restrictions on their basic freedoms.
“Recognising Palestine would affirm our nation’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice, self-determination and equal rights. It would send a clear message that Britain stands against indefinite occupation and supports the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations.”
The letter was also signed by Conservatives associated with the right of the party, including John Hayes and Desmond Swayne.
Most countries with UN membership formally recognize Palestine as a state, but the US and the majority of European countries do not.
Saudi Arabia and France next month will host a conference to rally support for a two-state solution to the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that France could grant formal recognition to Palestine at the conference.
David Lammy, the British foreign secretary, said last week that the government was discussing its plans with France for the event in June.
Starmer is understood to not have replied to the Conservative letter.
Last year, David Cameron, the former prime minister, said that he wanted Palestinian recognition as part of peace negotiations with Israel, and not as a reward for the reaching of a two-state solution.
The letter sent to Starmer added: “Recognition should not be treated as a distant bargaining chip but as a necessary step to reinforce international law and diplomacy. Prime minister, we stand ready to offer our public support for this decision.
“This is an opportunity for Britain to show leadership, to be on the right side of history and to uphold the principles we claim to champion. More than 140 UN member states have already recognised Palestine — it is time for the United Kingdom to do the same.”
A government spokesperson told The Guardian that the UK remains committed to a two-state solution, highlighting recent talks between Starmer and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
