Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander has said the Labour party backs recognition of a Palestine state this week at the UN General Assembly.

Mr Alexander has written to William Hague setting out his party’s position on the statehood bid.

He wrote: “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.”

Mr Alexander and Labour leader Ed Miliband are expected to attend the Labour Friends of Israel annual fringe reception next Tuesday at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool,along with LFI chair John Woodcock MP.

Jennifer Gerber, LFI Director said: "LFI has always believed that negotiation, not unilateralism, is the only way to resolve the conflict and we continue to hold this view.

"The international community should be united in seeking an immediate resumption of peace talks.

"LFI supports those trying get Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, to make the tough compromises that are necessary to achieve a lasting peace and a two state solution."