Palestine and Israel

Steve Baker Excerpts

Monday 13th October 2014 Commons Chamber

[Sir Malcolm Rifkind]

I will not take issue with the right hon. Gentleman on that, but I think that the boundaries are perhaps the least of the problems that we are addressing. I am saying something that has applied to British policy for generations, as it has to the policies of other countries. We recognise a state when the territory in question has a Government, an army, military capability—[Interruption.] That might not be something of which hon. Gentlemen would approve—

[Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con)]

Will my right hon. and learned Friend give way?

[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.