British MPs pass non-binding vote to recognise Palestine as a state

British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour of recognising Palestine as a state on Monday, in a non-binding motion heavy with symbolism but unlikely to change government policy. Britain does not classify Palestine as a state, but says it could do so at any time if it believed it would help peace efforts between the Palestinians and Israel. Prime Minister David Cameron abstained from the vote, which was called by an opposition lawmaker.

The aspirations of the Palestinian people cannot be fully realised until there is an end to the occupation… and we believe this will only come through negotiation.

Middle East Minister Tobias Ellwood

The debate follows the collapse of peace talks between Israel and Palestine and this year’s conflict in Gaza in which more than 2,000 Palestinians and dozens of Israelis were killed. The Palestinian Authority estimates that 134 countries have recognised Palestine as a state – most recently Sweden – although the number is disputed and several recognitions by what are now European Union member states date to the Soviet era.

Europe palestinian state