Hansard

I am pleased to speak on behalf of Scottish Liberal Democrats in today’s incredibly important debate. I thank Humza Yousaf for bringing the debate to the chamber and for how, as First Minister, he chose to use that office and his voice to speak up for peaceful solutions.

We have all looked on in horror at the scenes of devastation that have played out in Israel and Gaza. The terrorist attacks on 7 October and the subsequent conflict in Gaza have seen thousands of innocent people killed, and it has been horrifying. Right now, there is a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza—the health system has collapsed and international institutions are warning of the risk of famine. There is also the tragic on-going hostage crisis, with more than 100 Israelis still being held hostage by Hamas following the atrocities of 7 October.

We are very concerned about the way in which the conflict that has turned the entire region into a tinderbox is on the brink of serious escalation. For months, Liberal Democrats have been calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire, because we urgently need to stop the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, get the hostages out and make the space for a political process that leads to a two-state solution and lasting peace. Not only that, but an immediate bilateral ceasefire will help to deliver the de-escalation that the region desperately needs.

At this dark moment, the UK Government should be doing all that it can to stop the violence, secure an immediate bilateral ceasefire and bring about a two-state solution. One of the strongest cards that the United Kingdom holds is the ability to immediately recognise Palestine as a state, and it is time for us to do so. Liberal Democrats have long called for the immediate recognition of the state of Palestine; it has been our policy since 2017. Layla Moran, the first British Palestinian MP, has on multiple occasions introduced a private member’s bill in the UK Parliament that would recognise Palestine as a state.

The UK has both historical obligations in the region and modern responsibilities under international law. There are those who say that recognising the state of Palestine would be meaningless and that it would not have any practical consequence, but it is important that we do not underestimate the extent to which the UK’s voice is listened to in the region. If we and our allies recognise Palestine, we will be able to fully join international institutions such as the UN and the World Bank. That step would provide hope for millions of Palestinians that peace and a Palestinian state are possible.

Liberal Democrats have also urged the UK Government to cease the export of British arms to Israel, given the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Liberal Democrats have long advocated a two-state solution. A lasting peace is the only way to deliver the security and dignity that Israelis and Palestinians deserve. For the security of both peoples, Hamas cannot be allowed to continue to be in charge of Gaza, international law must be upheld and the rulings of international courts must be respected.