British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour of recognizing Palestine as a state on Monday. The vote comes just as Sweden’s new centre-left government prepares to officially recognize Palestine.
The non-binding motion was passed by 274 in favour to 12 votes against, to "recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel" as part of a "contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution".
Prime Minister David Cameron abstained from the vote, which was called by a backbencher, Grahame Morris from the main opposition Labour party.
During the debate, Middle East Minister Tobias Ellwood said that a Palestinian state would only be recognised at the appropriate moment.
"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 negotiations," Ellwood said.
"Only an end to the occupation will ensure that Palestinian statehood becomes a reality on the ground.
"The UK will bilaterally recognise a Palestinian state when we judge that it can best help bring about the peace."
Morris said Britain had a "moral responsibility" to act because of its history as colonial power in the region.
"It's absolutely clear that Israel-Palestine relations are stuck at an impasse, as is our foreign policy," Morris said as he opened the debate.
"Both of these impasses must be broken. We hear a great deal of talk about the two-state solution but today, through validating both states, members will have the opportunity to translate all of that principled talk into action."
Before the debate, a handful of protestors gathered in pouring rain outside the Houses of Parliament, where they had erected a giant banner saying: "Yes Vote for a Palestinian State".
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