The SNP has confirmed it will press ahead with plans for a bill to formally recognise the state of Palestine if the UK Government delays or imposes further conditions on recognition.
It comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would move towards recognising Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The announcement was welcomed by many but drew criticism for being tied to conditions based on the actions of the Israeli government.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said the right of the Palestinian people to statehood must be based on principle rather than preconditions.
“It seems this Prime Minister is incapable of doing the right thing, at the right time and for the right reasons,” he said.
“Recognising the right of the Palestinian people to their own state must be based on principle, not preconditions.”
He warned that leaving the decision in the hands of Israel undermines efforts for peace and a two‑state solution.
“Whilst it is welcome that the UK Labour Government are finally indicating that they are prepared to recognise Palestine, placing those conditions under the control of Israel is shocking and undermines the peaceful, equitable two state solution that we all wish to see,” he said.
“Israel should receive no recognition or reward for stopping the starvation of the Palestinian people in Gaza, they should be sanctioned for starving innocent children in the first place.”
The SNP has pledged to bring forward a Palestine Recognition Bill when Parliament returns in September if the Labour Government fails to follow through with immediate recognition.
Mr Flynn said the decision should rest with elected representatives in Westminster rather than the Israeli government.
“Recognising Palestine should be in the hands of the people’s elected representatives, not in the hands of Benjamin Netanyahu,” he said.
“That is why the SNP will press ahead and table the Palestine Recognition Bill when the House of Commons returns in September if the Labour Government fails to recognise Palestine at the start of the UN General Assembly.
“If Keir Starmer continues to delay and set conditions, it is vital that MPs have a vote on the Palestinian people’s right to their own state.”
He added that ending the suffering in Gaza must be the immediate priority for the international community.
“Stopping the assault and starvation in Gaza must be the immediate priority,” he said.
“That will involve applying maximum pressure on the Israeli government to end their bombing and blockade of aid.
“Instead of using the Palestinian state as a bargaining chip, the UK government could apply that pressure by stopping their sale of weapons to the Israeli government.”
