Humza Yousaf will today lead a debate in the Scottish Parliament calling on the new UK Government to immediately recognise the State of Palestine.
Mr Yousaf will challenge Sir Keir Starmer to act immediately when he takes office, if as expected he becomes Prime Minister next week, saying that “this is no time to equivocate or obfuscate, this is the time for action.”
In a Members’ debate on Wednesday, Yousaf will say that the immediate recognition of the state of Palestine is the inalienable right of the people of Palestine and that anyone claiming to support a two-state solution must back immediate recognition, otherwise their “words would ring hollow”.
Mr Yousaf’s motion will call on the UK to join a total of 144 members of the United Nations, including Ireland, Spain and Norway, in recognising Palestine as a state.
The SNP has already confirmed that SNP MPs will bring forward a binding vote at Westminster as soon as possible after the General Election.
Humza Yousaf MSP said:
“We have all looked on in horror at the humanitarian catastrophe and continued suffering of the people of Gaza throughout this conflict.
“Thousands of innocent Palestinian children, women and men have been killed.
“We have a duty to do whatever we can to bring about a peaceful solution, and it is clear that the full recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is the only way to move towards a just long-term peace, in the interests of both Palestinians and Israelis.
“Recognising Palestinian statehood is an inalienable right of the people of Palestine, not a privilege that can be vetoed by others.
“Anyone claiming to support a two-state solution must back immediate recognition, otherwise their words ring hollow.
“It is imperative that whoever becomes Prime Minister next week takes immediate action – by following the lead of Ireland, Spain and Norway – in recognising the State of Palestine.
“Now is not the time to equivocate or obfuscate, this is the time for action.
“The SNP has been Westminster’s moral compass throughout the conflict in Gaza – while the Tories and Labour have failed to add their voice to international efforts to end bloodshed and save innocent lives.
“I would urge all MSPs to listen to their conscience and support the motion that calls for immediate recognition of the Palestinian state, an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages and an end to arms sales to Israel.”
