I rise to present this petition on behalf of the residents of Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North. The petition declares that my constituents believe that the UK should recognise Palestinian statehood. For too long now, we have witnessed the most unimaginable horror inflicted on the men, women and little children of Gaza, as the Government of Mr Netanyahu seek to create a desert and call it peace. This is an existential moment for the Palestinian people. The International Criminal Court has described war crimes and crimes against humanity. We in this House cannot now turn away. We have a duty to act as a country, and we have a responsibility to act now.
One hundred and forty countries have recognised Palestine. We should act, and we should act unconditionally, unreservedly and urgently. The Government have set out a plan to recognise Palestine. They must now follow it through—to uphold international law, challenge claims of annexation, and show that we in this country match words with deeds. My constituents call for recognition as part of a plan to stop this barbarity and killing and to surge in aid and release the hostages. The petitioners therefore
“request that the House of Commons urge the Government to recognise Palestinian statehood.”
Following is the full text of the petition:
[The petition of the residents of the constituency of Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Declares that the residents believe that the UK should recognise Palestinian statehood. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to recognise Palestinian statehood.
And the petitioners remain, etc.]
[P003108]