Leeds MP criticised for signing letter urging immediate recognition of Palestinian state

The decision of the Leeds MP Alex Sobel to sign a letter calling for Britian’s immediate recognition of a Palestinian state and to press for the “unhindered resumption of humanitarian aid” has been criticised by the Leeds Jewish Representative Council.

The letter was created by the co-chairs of the Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East, MPs Sarah Owen and Andrew Pakes. Alex Sobel was one of two Jewish signatories – the other being Charlotte Nichols – in a group of MPs who include Naz Shah, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Rosena Allin-Khan and Dawn Butler.

Addressed to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the letter was apparently triggered by the Israeli Defence Minister’s announcement of his plans for those Palestinians remaining in Gaza. The writers describe the plans as “ethnic cleansing” and say there should be “recognition of the state of Palestine” and “continuing support for UNRWA”, which they say is “uniquely placed to provide support and services to Palestinians across the Middle East”.

The letter does say that “securing the release of hostages” is important. It says that it is “unfathomable that Hamas continues to cruelly detain hostage taken in October 2023. They have been subject to cruelty, appalling conditions and unimaginable torment.They must be released immediately and unconditionally.”

Simon Myerson KC of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council told Jewish News: “I have no problem with a call for resumption of aid, but Israel and the Jewish community have a profound distrust of UNRWA for well-founded reasons to do with obvious co-operation with Hamas, which it refuses to accept or explain.

“The call for the immediate recognition of Palestine without calling for the surrender of Hamas may be well-meaning and well-motivated –but it is naive in the extreme. We do not believe a parliamentarian in a proud democracy should ever suggest anything that rewards terrorism. No doubt this was not the aim – but it is the effect.”

The barrister added: “We are also disappointed that Mr Sobel aligns himself with parliamentarians whom the Jewish community has every reason to distrust. It is a matter for him, but we would prefer him not to have done so”.

Mr Myerson noted that Lisa Nandy, who is a member of the group and is Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, had not signed the letter. But as a Cabinet member she would not be able to do so. Jewish News understands she supports existing UK government policy.

He also made it clear that Mr Sobel’s decision to sign the letter had not been discussed with the Leeds Jewish community, nor with Jewish students at Leeds University. Mr Sobel’s seat includes the area of Headingly in which the University is sited, and many students eligible to vote during term-time are among his constituents.