The UK Government must officially recognise Palestine as an independent nation state if they are to help find a lasting two-state solution for both Israel and Palestine, a leading SNP politician has claimed.
During a Parliamentary Urgent Question on the ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine, Chris Law, the SNP MP for Dundee West, called on the UK Government to show leadership and demand an immediate ceasefire.
Pointing to Amnesty International’s condemnation of potential human rights abuses over the last month, Mr Law also called on the UK Government to do more to help find a lasting solution, including official recognition of the state of Palestine.
In his statement, Mr Law commended the vote taken by Dundee City Council last month to symbolically recognise Palestine as an independent nation state.
Mr Law, the SNP’s Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, said:
“The UK Government may wish to dodge the question today, but it is clear that more must be done internationally to put pressure on the leadership of Israel and Palestine if a two-state solution is to be found.
“Official government recognition of Palestine as an equal and independent nation would be an important step on the road to a lasting two-state solution for both Israel and Palestine.
“I am incredibly proud that Dundee is once again leading the way when it comes to international solidarity – I have often said that where Dundee leads, others follow, and I hope for the sake of those living in the region that the UK Government will finally listen.”
Chris Law 