LABOUR GOVERNMENT'S RECOGNITION OF THE STATE OF PALESTINE

The Prime Minister has set out the hugely important roadmap to the recognition of Palestine. My response:

"Labour’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine is right. It is just. It is long overdue. Now at last, our country begins to match our principles with policy - to affirm that Palestinians have an equal right to live in peace, in dignity, and in freedom.

"But let us be clear: recognition is not the end. It must be the beginning. The beginning of a ceasefire that holds. The beginning of justice that bites. The beginning of peace that lasts.

"For too long, British governments have turned a blind eye. For too long, we have spoken in sorrow but acted in silence. Now that ends.

"So we must now demand that we lift the siege of Gaza, stop the killing, uphold international law, free the hostages and hold perpetrators of war crimes to account.

"Words matter. But action matters more. This is a moment for moral clarity and political courage. The path to peace demands more than symbols - it demands resolve.”