Statement from Luke Myer MP
Recently, a group of MPs called for the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. The Government announced that they would recognise the state of Palestine in September before UN General Assembly, unless the Israeli government takes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza”.
I do not support either of these positions, and I wanted to set out my views. While I support Palestinian statehood, I feel strongly that recognition must come as part of a negotiated peace.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has brought unimaginable suffering to thousands of innocent people. It is a situation that demands not just compassion, but clarity and courage. I continue to believe that the only credible route to a just and lasting peace is through a two-state solution: a safe, secure Israel, at peace with its neighbours, alongside a viable, sovereign Palestinian state where people can live with dignity.
Why must Israel be secure?
Because the Jewish people have a right to self-determination – not only because of the historic impact of centuries of antisemitism, including the horrors of the Holocaust – but also because of the continued threat of antisemitism today. From this deep-rooted history of pogroms and persecution comes the view among many Jewish communities that no matter how safe the diaspora feels, that safety can be fragile and temporary. Today, Israel stands as the only Jewish state in the world, and the only functioning democracy in the region. Every day it faces the existential threat posed by Iran (and the terrorist groups it supports) attempting to extinguish it and exterminate its people. We saw this unfold horrifically in the October 7th 2023 terrorist attack, the largest one-day mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust. It is our duty as a democracy to stand with all democratic, pluralist societies where dissent is possible and civil society is active – but even more so when it represents the safest haven in the world for the Jewish people.
Why must Palestine be recognised?
Because Palestinians have the right to self-determination too. They deserve the freedom to live in peace and security, and to shape their own future. Palestinians have lived for decades under occupation without a sovereign state of their own. In the West Bank, they face military checkpoints, home demolitions, unequal access to resources, and the daily reality of living under military control. Gaza is under blockade, with civilians enduring extreme poverty, displacement, and repeated bombardments. Palestinian civilians have suffered mass displacement, the trauma of repeated wars, and generations of statelessness. Children in Gaza are growing up knowing nothing but conflict. That hopelessness breeds extremism. It is intolerable and it must end.
Two states
A mature, social democratic view holds two truths: that both Israelis and Palestinians have ancient ties to the land and hold a historic right to self-determination there – and a right to live in freedom and dignity. The solution is not to erase either story but to build a future where both can be at home.
The two-state solution is not a new position; indeed, it has been the basis of Labour Party foreign policy for many decades. At different points in history, including in recent years, it has been more popular to align either with Israel or with Palestine. I do not believe in doing what is popular, but what is right. I feel strongly that peace cannot be built on symbolism. Recognition of Palestinian statehood must be part of a meaningful and irreversible process toward a two-state solution – not a standalone gesture, but a step that creates genuine momentum and improves the chance of lasting peace.
The UK has already taken many of the steps which sit unilaterally within its power to advance the cause of peace in the region – suspending arms sales, sanctioning ministers, and increasing aid. Bilateral recognition is perhaps the single most important tool remaining in the UK’s diplomatic arsenal – which is why it is important to get the timing right. It would be a tragedy to use this action simply to express intent rather than bring about genuine and lasting change. For example, one of the most important prerequisites for peace is that Palestine must be a democratic state, and therefore the Palestinian Authority must be strengthened as the legitimate voice for a peaceful and democratic future – there must be no role for Hamas or any other Iran-backed terror group in its governance. Recognition could aid negotiations towards this future.
I welcome the UK Government’s continued commitment to work closely with international partners to advance this aim. But I feel that recognition is one of the most powerful ways to do so – a position which other countries, like Canada and Germany, have recently outlined.
Peace is not passive; it must be built. That means holding Israel accountable when it violates international law, while also defending its right to exist and protect its citizens. It means calling for the restoration of the ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade in Gaza, and for the release of hostages by Hamas. It means pushing for a negotiated two-state solution, rooted in human dignity, mutual recognition, and security. None of this is easy or straightforward. This is a difficult and emotional issue, but our responsibility is to take positions that are rooted in international law, aligned with our allies, and aimed at achieving results. That is how peace is won – not through gestures, but through diplomacy, honesty and hard graft.