Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Palestinian State: Recognition

Tuesday 30 January 2024 · 9 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 9 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Law asked about the merits of recognizing a Palestinian state, and the response stated Britain will recognize a Palestinian state when it best serves the objective of peace.
  • David Linden questioned the impact of not recognizing the Palestinian state, and the response reaffirmed the commitment to recognizing Palestine when the time is right.
  • Flick Drummond asked if voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gaza is in Israel's best interests, and the response agreed that the only viable long-term pathway is a two-state solution based on 1967 lines.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Law SNP Dundee Central
Foreign Affairs
Context

The potential merits of recognising a Palestinian state are under discussion.

Question

What recent assessment has he made of the potential merits of the recognition of a Palestinian state?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We are clear that for a peaceful solution to this conflict there must be a political horizon towards a two-state solution. Britain will recognise a Palestinian state at a time when it best serves the objective of peace. Bilateral recognition alone cannot end the occupation.

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Q2 Hannah Bardell SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

Evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity committed by Israel, and the risk of genocide being recognised by the International Court of Justice.

Question

Given the evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel, has the UK Government sought to ascertain what the Israeli military objective is in Gaza?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

I have not seen the motion tabled by the SNP—and I probably would not agree with it if I had. We are always focused on addressing the points that the hon. Lady has made. When it comes to the International Court of Justice, and indeed international humanitarian law, the Government's view is not the same as hers, but she may rest assured that we keep these things under very close review.

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Q3 David Linden SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The live ongoing investigation by the ICJ into genocide in Gaza, and British Government's reluctance to recognise the state of Palestine.

Question

Given that there is now a live ongoing investigation by the ICJ into genocide in Gaza, does the Minister understand that failure to recognise the Palestinian state will result in recognising a cemetery?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The Government's position—and indeed, I believe, the position of those on the Opposition Front Bench—has always been clear: we should recognise the state of Palestine when the time is right. The Foreign Secretary last night added some further words to that commitment, but that is the commitment of the British Government.

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Q4 Chris Law SNP Dundee Central
Asylum & Refugees Foreign Affairs
Context

The Foreign Secretary's indication that the UK Government will consider recognising the Palestinian state.

Question

Given the recent comments by the Foreign Secretary, can the Minister explain how recognition is possible when both the Israeli National Security Minister and the Finance Minister have advocated for resettling Palestinians from Gaza?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The Foreign Secretary was making it clear that we need a credible route to a Palestinian state and the offer of a new future. It is very important to lift people's eyes to the possibilities once a political track is established. I point out to the hon. Gentleman that progress has been made.

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Q5 Stephen Crabb Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The current situation with Hamas controlling Gaza, Fatah barely able to control the west bank, and Israel still in trauma.

Question

Given the current situation, what does he think that talk about early recognition of Palestinian statehood can achieve?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

I recognise the voracity of what my right hon. Friend says, but there is no change in the policy. He is right that Hamas must agree to the release of all hostages, that Hamas can no longer be in charge of Gaza, and that we need an agreement to provide governance, service and security there.

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Q6 Flick Drummond Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

A third of Knesset Members attending a conference calling for the return of settlements to Gaza and north of the occupied west bank.

Question

Given that some Members have asked for a voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gaza, does the Minister agree that this is not in the best interests of Israel?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Yes, I do. The only viable long-term pathway is a two-state solution based on 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, that guarantees security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.

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Q7 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Context

Hamas's commitment to continuing attacks on Israel.

Question

Given the statements made by a senior Hamas official, does he agree that the only political solution must be the elimination of Hamas?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

That is why the Government have made it clear that calls for a ceasefire on its own will simply not work. First, Israel absolutely has the right of self-defence, to address and deal with the cause of the terrible events of 7 October.

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Q8 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Labour party has supported Palestinian recognition for a decade. Prime Minister Netanyahu made unacceptable comments regarding the issue.

Question

For a decade now, the Labour party has supported Palestinian recognition. After the unacceptable comments by Prime Minister Netanyahu, does the Prime Minister agree that no country has a veto over the UK's decision to recognise Palestine?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We will pursue the policy that we think is right. The Foreign Secretary set out clearly in his remarks last night the importance of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not directly addressed; Andrew Mitchell did not confirm or deny whether the UK agrees that no country has a veto over its decision to recognize Palestine.

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Q9 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Foreign Affairs
Context

Palestinian recognition is an inalienable right. The Foreign Secretary mentioned looking at the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state with allies.

Question

Given Netanyahu's categorical rejection of a Palestinian state, what are the next steps? When will we hear about them, and how confident can we be that we will not be sitting here in another 10 years, wishing we had acted to prevent a genocide?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The British Government's policy has been clear on the recognition of the state of Palestine. We are working extremely hard in the region and more widely internationally to secure a political track.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not directly addressed; Andrew Mitchell did not provide details about next steps or timelines for recognizing a Palestinian state.

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