UK: VOTE: Recognition of Palestine

Thank you to each and every one of the 57,808 of you who emailed your MP, via PSC’s email tool, to ask your MP to vote for Palestine!

Not only did MPs vote by an enormous margin to support Palestinian Statehood (274 for -12 against), but this was also the biggest backbench debate that has been held without a three line whip. Cynically, realising they faced a heavy loss, those who opposed the motion tried to avoid a vote by refusing to appoint tellers (four tellers must be appointed: two for the yes vote, and two for the no vote). Heroically, Jeremy Corbyn and Mike Wood MPs agreed to be the tellers for the ‘no lobby’ so that other MPs could vote for the motion.

Many viewers at home were confused because of the BBC’s outrageous misreporting of the result. The BBC Parliament channel claimed that MPs had voted for a motion which had been amended to say that recognition should only be given following successful peace talks with Israel. In fact, that amendment – tabled by pro-Israeli MPs – had not been accepted. The motion plus amendment that Parliament actually voted for was that “This House believes that the Government should recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel ‘as a contribution to securing a negotiated two state solution.’”

Now that the debate is over, find out how your MP voted, and send them a message to let them know how you feel about the way they voted.

Many of you will have MPs amongst the 274 who voted for the motion. Contact them now and ask them to champion Palestinian human rights by supporting an end to the arms trade with Israel and barring Israel’s illegal settlement goods from being imported into Britain.

Use our etool to find out how your MP voted and send your MP a letter.