FORMER first minister Humza Yousaf has called for the next UK government to recognise the state of Palestine immediately, saying it is the "inalienable" right of its people.
Yousaf has challenged Labour's leader Keir Starmer, who is expected to become the next prime minister, to act swiftly and said that “this is no time to equivocate or obfuscate, this is the time for action”.
The SNP MSP believes recognising Palestine as a sovereign state is the only way to move towards “long-term peace” in the interests of both Palestinians and Israelis.
Yousaf will lead a debate in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, June 26 where he will stress that the recognition of the state of Palestine is the “inalienable right of the people”.
He added that anyone claiming to support a two-state solution must back immediate recognition otherwise their “words would ring hollow”.
“We have all looked on in horror at the humanitarian catastrophe and continued suffering of the people of Gaza throughout this conflict. Thousands of innocent Palestinian children, women, and men have been killed,” he said.
Yousaf continued: “We have a duty to do whatever we can to bring about a peaceful solution, and it is clear that the full recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is the only way to move towards a just long-term peace, in the interests of both Palestinians and Israelis.
“Recognising Palestinian statehood is an inalienable right of the people of Palestine, not a privilege that can be vetoed by others. Anyone claiming to support a two-state solution must back immediate recognition, otherwise their words ring hollow.
“It is imperative that whoever becomes prime minister next week takes immediate action - by following the lead of Ireland, Spain and Norway - in recognising the state of Palestine. Now is not the time to equivocate or obfuscate, this is the time for action.
“The SNP has been Westminster’s moral compass throughout the conflict in Gaza - while the Tories and Labour have failed to add their voice to international efforts to end bloodshed and save innocent lives.
“I would urge all MSPs to listen to their conscience and support the motion that calls for immediate recognition of the Palestinian state, an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages and an end to arms sales to Israel.”
Yousaf’s motion at the Scottish Parliament will call on the UK to join the 144 members of the United Nations, including Ireland, Spain, and Norway, in recognising Palestine as a state.
The SNP have confirmed their MPs will bring forward a binding vote at Westminster as soon as possible after the General Election on July 4.
