London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney welcomed UK recognition of Palestine, urging further action, including sanctions, trade cuts, and ICC cooperation.
As reported by The Independent, John Swinney called on the UK Government to take further action after the recognition of the Palestinian state.
John Swinney’s views on the UK’s recognition of Palestine
On Monday, John Swinney visited the Palestinian Mission in London for a ceremony marking the decision.
The First Minister praised the move but urged the Government to take stronger action, suggesting sanctions on Israeli leaders, exiting the free trade agreement, and ending military cooperation.
He called on the UK to join South Africa’s case against Israel, describing it as “a historic moment for the people of Palestine which should have come long ago.”
Mr Swinney said,
“I have been clear that the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine should have been unconditional, but this decision goes some way towards acknowledging the UK’s solemn and historic responsibility towards all peoples of the region.”
He stated,
“While this announcement is welcome news, this is just the first step towards establishing the two-state solution. I urge the UK Government to take further action to accelerate peace including continuing to call for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of free flowing aid.”
The First Minister said,
“The international community must use all its energy to persuade and pressurise Israel to end the violence and return to a peace process. A two-state solution is the only option that can provide peace, prosperity and security for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
He stated,
“Hamas must play no role in the future of the Palestinian state. I have consistently and unequivocally condemned the brutal terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in October 2023 and I join the international community in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
Mr Swinney added,
“Scotland stands with the people of Palestine, and everyone in the region who yearns for peace, and I will continue to do all that I can to support those suffering in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Keir Starmer’s stance on the UK recognising Palestine
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that the UK has formally recognised Palestine as an independent state. The move aims to promote peace and ease political pressures at home.
The Prime Minister insisted the decision was not a reward for Hamas. He warned that senior members of the group would face new sanctions and would not participate in any future Palestinian government.
In a video message to the country, Mr Starmer stated,
“The hope of a two-state solution is fading but we cannot let that light go out … Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly, as prime minister of this great country, that the UK formally recognises the state of Palestine.”
He added,
“In the face of the growing horrors in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment we have neither.”
Responding to criticism from the US and Israel, Mr Starmer stated,
“Let’s be frank, Hamas is a brutal terror organisation. Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision. So we are clear, this solution is not a reward for Hamas, because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, no role in security.”
He concluded,
“The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable. Tens of thousands have been killed, including thousands as they tried to collect food and water. This death and destruction horrifies all of us. It must end.”
Rachel Reeves’ views on the UK recognising Palestine
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said recognising Palestine as a state is a step toward a two-state solution that “anybody who believes in peace must support.”
She said,
“This country has long believed that there needs to be a two-state solution in the Middle East: a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and a peaceful Palestinian state.”
Ms Reeeves stated,
“Everybody who has seen over the last two years, since Hamas took those hostages – killed those innocent people in Israel, have seen the scenes unfolding both in Israel and in Gaza – and can’t help but be moved by those.”
The chancellor added,
“This action, alongside Canada and Australia, to recognise a Palestinian state is another step towards that two-state solution that anybody who believes in peace must believe in.”
How did Israel react to the UK recognising Palestine?
Israel warned that the UK’s recognition of Palestinian statehood by Sir Keir Starmer would leave British Jews unable to forgive Labour.
David Mencer, a spokesman for the office of the Israeli prime minister, said,
“Just because Sir Keir Starmer says it’s true it doesn’t make it true and I think his leadership has shown that.”
He stated,
“Sir Keir has given the most appalling gift to the Jewish community of the UK on the eve of the Jewish New Year, the most appalling gift, the gift which the Jewish community will not forgive Labour for, they will never forgive Labour for this betrayal.”
Mr Mencer added,
“And it is a betrayal of the Jewish community but it is also an abandonment of the UK’s ally Israel. Israel believes that recognising a Palestinian state today, it’s not peace, it’s a prize for terrorism.”
Key facts about the Gaza-Israel war
Over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed, with nearly 70% women and children, while children under nine are the most affected. Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, killed around 1,200 Israeli civilians and took over 240 hostages, with 450 soldiers also killed since.
Gaza has suffered massive destruction, displacing nearly all 2.3 million residents and causing severe hunger and a health system collapse.