Meeting of the Parliament 21 April 2015
I, too, thank Sandra White for bringing this important debate to the chamber.
As Sandra White noted, the UN General Assembly proposed a two-state solution in 1947, but the conflict and the illegal blockade of Palestine continue. I am pleased that we are demonstrating a strong stance in support of the people of Palestine and a peaceful two-state solution.
The United Nations chief, Ban Ki-moon, previously described Israeli military action towards Palestine as
“a moral outrage and a criminal act”.
David Cameron’s defence of Israel’s actions towards a blockaded population demonstrated that many of us are not being represented by the UK Government when it comes to a lack of support for Palestine in foreign policy.
Palestine must be recognised as a state by the UK Government, and we must join the nations that have already done that. We here can try to influence that situation as positively as we can.
As John Mason pointed out, the conflict involves and affects many across the globe. Although we may lack foreign policy powers, we can look at ethical public procurement. We can call on public bodies to bring in wider international matters in their purchase of particular products with taxpayers’ money. We should put those policies in place not just for particular countries, but when we buy anything. We should have an ethical procurement policy. Many constituents have written to me about that issue not just this week but on an on-going basis. They all urgently desire peace in the middle east and they support a two-state solution.
The people in Palestine and Israel need peace now. They need a safe, secure and truly sustainable future. I support recognition of the Palestinian state based on the borders of 1967, which were recognised by the United Nations.
The current Westminster election campaign gives all parties a chance to highlight their position on the issue and it gives our constituents a chance to question parties on their stance. Those who hope to represent our people at Westminster should be informing constituents what their views are on that incredibly important international issue.
It is fair to say that the plight of the Palestinian people has not improved since the Israeli election of 17 March. People in Palestine face the daily challenge of access to education, land for farming, water supplies and homes. Claudia Beamish highlighted the inequality when it comes to access to farm land. There are abuses of human rights.
The time for recognition of Palestine by all is long overdue. That recognition is an important step towards justice and peace for Palestine and Israel. A two-state solution is required now, and we in the Parliament, with the many determined campaigners outwith it, must do all that we can to bring that about.
17:54