Navendu Mishra and Afzal Khan are among 221 MPs to sign a letter urging the British Government to recognise Palestine as a state.
The cross-party letter is addressed to Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy ahead of next week’s UN summit in New York, where world leaders will discuss the issue of Palestinian statehood for two days.
Co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference will aim to reach a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
However, despite the talks being held in New York, the US will not take part.
Rusholme MP Mr Khan said: “The horrors we are witnessing are beyond comprehension. The UK must join the majority of the world and give substance to our commitment to a two-state solution.”
His fellow backbench Labour MP, Stockport’s Mr Mishra added: “I have added my name to a cross-party letter to the Foreign Secretary urging the British Government to recognise the state of Palestine.
Ahead of the upcoming UN Conference in New York, this letter calls on the Government to fulfil its long-standing commitment to a two-state solution and to use its influence on the world stage to help bring about lasting peace.”
The three other MPs on Six57’s patch – Business Secretary and MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, Jonathan Reynolds, the now-independent MP for Gorton and Denton, Andrew Gwynne, and Lisa Smart, who represents Hazel Grove for the Liberal Democrats – are among the almost two-thirds of MPs who have not added their names to the letter authored by Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion.
Leader of the Lib Dems, Sir Ed Davey, has added his support to the campaign alongside the Father of the House Sir Edward Leigh and a total of 131 Labour MPs.
“We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality,” the letter reads.
“Whilst we appreciate the UK does not have it in its power to bring about a free and independent Palestine, UK recognition would have a significant impact due to our historic connections and our membership on the UN Security Council, so we urge you to take this step.”
The local Labour parties in Manchester and Tameside have also welcomed the move, with a statement from the former saying: “Manchester Labour has long called for a legally recognised Palestinian state.
“We join with the hundreds of MPs calling for the UK Government to do this now as a catalyst for peace.”
