LFPME has called for the recognition of the State of Palestine for over a decade, including in the House of Commons vote in 2014. As such, we warmly welcome the announcement by our European allies Ireland, Norway, and Spain this morning. We hope more will now follow. [2/5]

At a time when hope for Palestinians and a pathway to self-determination is in short supply, this provides a much-needed injection of optimism for an alternative. [3/5]

We cannot continue to feed the status quo, which is leading to an erosion of the territorial viability for a Palestinian state. The longer we wait, the less likely a two-state solution will be possible. [4/5]

There needs to be immediate momentum towards an internationally mediated peace process. We encourage other international partners to join this initiative, including the UK Government who have stalled on recognition for far too long. The time is now. [5/5]

You can find more information about the House of Commons vote to recognise Palestine in 2014 here: