UK Parliament to vote on Palestinian Statehood

Politicians are set to vote on a controversial motion that Israel’s supporters fear could see Parliament recognise a Palestinian state ahead of a peace deal, writes Justin Cohen.

The landmark motion, proposed by prominent backbench critics of Israel and set to be debated on 13 October, says: “This House believes the Government should recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel.”

Simon Johnson of the Jewish Leadership Council, said: “We are working closely with grassroots and the Friends of Israel groups in Parliament to ensure the community’s views on this motion are known to MPs.”

A vote on the original motion would only take place if politicians reject the amendment. Whatever the outcome, the result would not become Government policy.

We Believe in Israel is urging supporters to write to MPs asking them to vote for an amendment that recognition should come only “on the conclusion of successful peace negotiations”.

Former Board of Deputies vice-president Jerry Lewis said the initiative raised the prospect that “for the very first time, Parliament may vote for recognition of a Palestinian state without any safeguards for Israel”.