Labour MP is told she is 'historically wrong, factually wrong and morally wrong' to make comparison between Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the situation in Israel and Palestine
The Labour MP for Sunderland Central Julie Elliott was told she was 'historically wrong, factually wrong and morally wrong' to make the comparison between Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the situation in Israel and Palestine.
Ms Elliott insisted international law was 'as relevant' in both situations as she pressed the Government to consider recognising the state of Palestine alongside Israel in pursuit of a two-state solution to the conflict in the region.
She told MPs: 'My heart goes out to the Ukrainian people. Quite rightly we talk about international law. In fact I listened to the minister (Amanda Milling) only a few minutes ago and the vital importance of the sovereignty of states. Yet when Palestinians hear that - how must they feel?'
The Labour MP for Sunderland Central Julie Elliott was told she was 'historically wrong, factually wrong and morally wrong' to make the comparison between Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the situation in Israel and Palestine
Conservative former work and pensions secretary Stephen Crabb intervened to describe her comparison as 'historically wrong, factually wrong and morally wrong', and added that it did 'a huge disservice not just to the people of Ukraine but also to the people of Palestine and the people of Israel as well, who face a unique situation and set of challenges'.
Ms Elliott replied: 'What I was talking about was the upholding of international law which your own minister talked about a few minutes ago and the right of upholding international law is as relevant in Ukraine as it is in Palestine.'
She called for a 'complete and total ban of illegal Israeli settlements' in the West Bank and said that recognising Palestine was the 'bare minimum' of what the UK should do as part of a two-state solution to the conflict.
Co-sponsoring the calls to recognise Palestinian statehood, SNP MP Philippa Whitford said: 'After 55 years of occupation, 15 years of Gaza blockade, and the ongoing annexation of the West Bank, the two-state solution is simply becoming unviable unless there is a reversal of current Israeli policy.'
Ms Elliott insisted international law was 'as relevant' in both situations as she pressed the Government to consider recognising the state of Palestine alongside Israel in pursuit of a two-state solution to the conflict in the region. Palestinian supporters of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PLFP) are seen holding flags during a rally in Gaza city in February
Dr Whitford (Central Ayrshire) said: 'Palestinians face constant harassment and obstruction. Their homes are demolished while settlements are relentlessly expanded, in what is de facto annexation and conquest by concrete.'
However, Conservative MP Scott Benton said the motion 'asks the UK Government to undermine its commitment to the peace process by predetermining the outcome of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians'.
The MP for Blackpool South said recognition is not 'merely an empty gesture' and said supporting the motion 'gives a greenlight to the intransigence of the Palestinian Authority and the terrorism of Hamas in Gaza by suggesting that the current policies of Palestinian leadership befit a sovereign state, which they clearly do not.'
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He said: 'A peaceful Palestinian state is in Israel's best interest and important for its long-term security, but we must be clear that the biggest obstacle to peace is Hamas, whose stated aim to wipe Israel and the Jewish people off the face of the earth.'
Foreign Office minister Amanda Milling said the UK will recognise a permanent Palestinian state 'at a time when it best serves the objective of peace'.
She told the Commons: 'We firmly believe that a just and lasting solution delivering peace for both Israelis and Palestinians is long overdue. We also believe that the best way to make progress towards this is through negotiations between both sides, which take account of the their legitimate concerns.'
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