Recognise Palestine as a State now say Lib Dems, but Labour Government and Tories reject the proposal
The Palestine Statehood (Recognition) Bill was proposed in Parliament on 14 March 2025 by Lib Dem Baroness Northover. As reported by the Press Association, she said: "My Bill would require the Government to recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state on pre-1967 lines, just as almost 150 of the 193 UN countries have done.
She continued: “Some say that recognition is merely symbolic, not changing anything on the ground. But recognition has importance – that Palestinians do have the right to self-determination, national rights and the legal benefits of that, just like Israelis.”
Lady Northover added: “Recognising two states should have happened long ago. My short, little Bill seeks to rectify that.”
The Labour Government, and most Conservative speakers rejected the proposal to recognise Palestine as a state.
The Labour Government Minister said “we do not support this Bill today….We must take this step when the time is right.” But Labour peer Lords Dubs, who fled the Nazis on the Kindertransport in 1939, said: “It's that phrase 'when the circumstances are right' which has delayed progress up to now and I'd suggest to the Foreign Secretary that the circumstances are right at the present time.”
The Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine
The Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine aim to foster peace in the Middle East and work towards a two state solution.
On 20 November 2024, the group organised a meeting in the Palace of Westminster with Dr Husam Zomlot, Head of the Palestine Mission, along with seven ambassadors of Arab countries. (see photo).
The event was hosted by Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece, with Ed Davey MP, Lord Newby, our Leader in the House of Lords, and many other Lib Dem MPs and Peers in attendance.
Our Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller, Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock outlined our policies, including an immediate recognition of Palestine and support for the ICC and ICJ. Dr Zomlot also recognised how the Liberal Democrats were the first major party to call for a ceasefire and how firm we have been in supporting a just settlement.