Asked by: Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is the expected timetable and procedural pathway for the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to be formally received by His Majesty King Charles III for the presentation of credentials; whether, at the point of presentation of credentials, the United Kingdom will recognise the Ambassador as the representative of the State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders, as stated in Government policy; and whether the Letters of Credence, the Royal Decree of Agrément, and any associated documentation issued in connection with such recognition will explicitly reference the 1967 borders and the United Kingdom’s position on the applicability of international law, including the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions on the illegality of the occupation.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK follows the standard diplomatic process of agrément and presentation of credentials, as set out in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We recognise Palestinian statehood over provisional borders, based on 1967 lines with equal land swaps, to be finalised as part of future negotiations.
Asked by: Iain Duncan Smith (Conservative - Chingford and Woodford Green)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) the UK Government's recognition of a Palestinian State and (b) Jihadi public threats against Jews on the security of Synagogues; and what steps he is taking to increase levels of security..
Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and to create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people. A two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state led by a reformed Palestinian Authority, is the only path to lasting peace, free from the horrendous violence and suffering of the last two years.
This Government is firmly committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion at their chosen place of worship, and to ensuring the safety of our streets and communities. We recognise that recent incidents have heightened concerns about the safety of Jewish communities and places of worship, as well as those from other faiths. We take these concerns seriously and continue to work with closely with the police to assess threats and review the protections in place for communities.
The Community Security Trust has been allocated £28 million in 2025/26 through the Jewish Community Protective Security (JCPS) Grant, which provides protective security measures at synagogues, Jewish educational establishments and community sites. This includes additional emergency funding of £10 million announced by the Prime Minister following the horrifying terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue for more security staff and equipment, such as CCTV, alarms and floodlights, at Jewish sites.
Asked by: Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool Walton)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2023 to Question 2953 on Israel: Palestinians, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK formally recognising a State of Palestine on the probability of a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict being reached in the form of a two-state solution; and what criteria the Government uses to determine (a) when a political solution has been reached and (b) whether to formally recognise a State of Palestine.
Answered by David Rutley
The UK is committed to making progress towards a two-state solution. We believe that negotiations will only succeed when they are conducted between Israelis and Palestinians, supported by the international community. To prevent further conflict and terrorism, there must be a political solution which provides justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Bilateral recognition in itself cannot end the occupation; without a negotiated settlement, the occupation and the problems that come with it will continue. The Prime Minister has pledged to work together with our partners to redouble efforts towards this conclusion, focussing on the provision of serious, practical and enduring support needed to bolster the Palestinian Authority.
Asked by: Tahir Ali (Labour - Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen efforts towards a lasting and two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine; and if he will make it his policy to formally recognise the state of Palestine.
Answered by David Rutley
The UK remains committed to making progress towards a two-state solution, resulting in a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State; based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states. The Foreign Secretary met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, during his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories this week. He discussed our strong bilateral relationship and the vital importance of de-escalating the rising tension in the West Bank. The Foreign Secretary also reiterated the UK's commitment to a two-state solution. The government will recognise Palestinian statehood at a time that best serves the interests of peace.