Recognition of the State of Palestine 2025-06-24
2025-06-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from concerns about the current situation in Gaza and potential future developments in the West Bank, highlighting the importance of timely action to prevent similar outcomes.
What assessment has been made of the potential merits of recognising the state of Palestine? What is happening in Gaza is hard enough to watch, but if we are to prevent the west bank from going the same way in a few years’ time, we must act today. Does the Minister agree that recognising the principle of a Palestinian state, without making any judgment for the moment on its borders, is the strongest and most effective way to reaffirm the UK’s long-standing commitment to a two-state solution, while there is still territory left to form it with?
We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action we can take towards Palestinian statehood, which is why it is important to get the timing right, so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister avoided providing a direct answer by stating their commitment without specifying when or under what conditions recognition would occur.
Under Review
Working On
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
A conference was scheduled to discuss the potential for recognition of a Palestinian state but had to be postponed due to recent events in Iran.
Can my hon. Friend update me on the conference that was due to be held at the weekend but was postponed following the bombing of Iran by Israel, at which the potential for recognition was to be discussed?
I think my hon. Friend refers to the two-state solution conference that was due to take place in New York last week. It has been suspended for understandable reasons, given events in the region, by its French and Saudi co-hosts. We expect that it will be rearranged, and I have been in conversation with my Saudi colleagues about when that might be.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy