Palestine and Israel

Debate between Malcolm Rifkind and Andrew Love

Monday 13th October 2014 Commons Chamber

[Sir Malcolm Rifkind]

I am sorry, but I do not have time.

Hon. Members might not approve of that policy, but it has been pursued for many years.

[Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op)]

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give way?

[Sir Malcolm Rifkind]

No, I am sorry. I am afraid I cannot in the time available.

We are told that 135 members of the United Nations—many of which have relatively little connection with the middle east, although some have a great connection—have recognised Palestine as a state. That has had no effect. It has received 24 hours of publicity but has had no marginal, massive or significant impact on the course of history. There is a great risk that today we will make ourselves feel important and that our own frustration will lead us to vote for a motion that will not have the desired effect and will perhaps make the problems that need to be addressed in reaching a two-state solution more difficult to deal with.

I will not detain the House any further, but will simply say that symbolism sometimes has a purpose and sometimes has a role, but one does not recognise a state that does not yet have the fundamental ingredients that a state requires if it is to carry out its international functions. At the very least, I would respectfully suggest that the motion is premature.