Baroness Northover
Main Page: Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)(3 weeks, 2 days ago)
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Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
This is the third time that the noble Lord has asked that question. The response remains the same. We will make our decision when the time comes in accordance with the principles that we have laid out. We will explain fully the rationale for that decision at the time. I think that people can see the reasons for us getting to the place that we have. It was in our manifesto that we would recognise Palestine at a time that was conducive to bringing about peace. Many of us were hopeful that those conditions would be brought about more quickly.
Things have not developed as any of us would wish. We find ourselves in a situation where we have made announcements about recognition in the worst of circumstances. I wish that it was not like this, but it is. The noble Lord will have every opportunity to agree or disagree and challenge us on that decision when the time comes.
Baroness Northover (LD)
My Lords, I welcome the move by the UK Government to recognise the state of Palestine alongside Israel. My Private Member’s Bill on the subject will, I hope, be redundant. I was privileged to have the support of the noble Lord, Lord Dubs, on that. What engagement will the Government have with President Trump when he visits to convey the strongest message that Israel’s long-term security is best served when it has widespread international support—and that this requires a two-state solution rather than the forced removal of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
We discuss our position on this and many other issues—but specifically this—with our US counterparts on a regular basis, as the noble Baroness will understand. She is completely right that support for a two-state solution must remain central to everything we do and say on this issue. I fear that some of the decisions that are being taken by the Government of Israel now make that outcome less likely; hence the situation in which we find ourselves now, as the UK Government, taking the decisions that we have.