Labour backs Palestinian statehood bid

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

In a statement from Douglas Alexander, Labour has backed the Palestinian bid for statehood that will be discussed in the coming days by the UN. Alexander said:

“The case made by the Palestinians for recognition as a state is strong. This week, at the United Nations, the British Government should be willing to support the recognition of Palestinian statehood as part of continuing steps to achieve a comprehensive two state solution.

“But there also remains a heavy onus upon the British government and other members of the international community this week to work to ensure that any change in the level of Palestinian recognition is then followed by meaningful negotiations between the parties.”

David Miliband has also been supportive of the move – albeit more cautiously than Douglas Alexander. In a blog for the Huffington Post, Miliband said that:

“My view is that the use of the UN is a smart tactical move by the Palestinians. My reasoning is that nothing else has produced any give in the situation.”

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