UK
JLC reaffirms opposition to recognition of Palestinian state as Labour prepares to do so in manifesto pledge
Starmer’s position builds upon that of Lord Cameron, who announced in January he would consider the move
June 7, 2024 10:49
Starmer’s position builds upon that of Lord Cameron, who announced in January he would consider the move
June 7, 2024 10:49The Jewish Leadership Council has made clear that it opposes the formal recognition of Palestinian statehood before negotiations have been concluded.
It follows reports that the Labour Party manifesto will commit to a formal recognition of Palestinian statehood during the peace process, rather than as part of a final peace deal with Israel.
Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to recognising a Palestinian state before peace talks have been concluded would put the UK out of step with the United States, who have said recognition can only come as part of a lasting peace deal.
However, it would echo the position of Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, who said in January that Britain will consider recognising a Palestinian state as part of efforts to bring about a peace settlement – rather than at the end of the process.
The specific pledge will reportedly be included in a final version of the party’s manifesto, which will be agreed in a meeting with unions on Friday and launched next Thursday.
Unlike recent moves by Ireland, Spain, and Norway, which recognised a Palestinian state immediately, Labour's recognition would be “part of a process towards a negotiated two-state solution”.
Today, the Jewish Leadership Council did not specifically comment on the manifesto but reaffirmed their position that recognition of a Palestinian state before peace has been secured would reward and embolden extremists like Hamas.
After Cameron’s statement about Palestinian recognition, Keith Black, chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, wrote in the Express, “A unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state of this kind would only encourage more violence and less diplomacy.
“It would send a strong signal to Hamas terrorists that their aims can be furthered by the most heinous of acts [...] it would amount to rewarding the atrocities of 7 October.
“Crucially, unilateral recognition would also undermine the necessary message to the Palestinian leadership that they must negotiate and collaborate with Israel to ensure they can share a mutually beneficial peace.”
Today, the JLC said their position remains unchanged.
The JLC represents the largest Jewish organisations in the UK, including synagogues, care organisations, education charities, regional Representative Councils.
The Board of Deputies is opposed to any recognition of a Palestinian state until the conclusion of a peace process.
The JC understands the body will not comment on Labour’s policy until its manifesto has been published in full.
Despite reports, the JC understands that Labour’s position has not fundamentally shifted since its National Policy Forum met last summer and agreed that that party would work alongside international partners to recognise Palestine alongside Israel as part of efforts to secure a negotiated two-state solution.
A Jewish communal source inside the party said that Labour’s position under Starmer “is miles from the infantile Corbynite approach of immediate, unilateral recognition.”
The pledge contrasts with Jeremy Corbyn’s stance as leader, which was to recognise Palestine in his first days as Prime Minister.
Labour’s candidate for Finchley and Golders Green, Sarah Sackman, met Starmer on Friday morning and told the JC, “I am glad that he clarified that Labour will not recognise a Palestinian state while parties committed to violence remain in control of Gaza, and that we need a renewed peace process which results in a two state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.”
Speaking on Times Radio this morning, Labour’s shadow housing minister Matthew Pennycook said that the party's position on a Palestinian state "has been settled" and “remains unchanged".
That position is "to work in conjunction with international partners on the recognition of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, alongside a safe and secure Israel, as part of a process towards a negotiated two-state solution", he said.
The pledge is set to assuage Labour’s left wing and sure up support from Muslim voters, who pushed back against the party in last month’s local elections, a trend that party insiders fear could be repeated on July 4 in some Midlands and Northern constituencies.
