QUESTIONS have been raised over whether Scottish Labour will get behind a motion urging the UK recognise Palestine as a state.
Humza Yousaf filed the motion, calling for Holyrood to support the move, on Monday.
So far it has been supported by 18 MSPs, however, just three – Richard Leonard, Foysol Choudhury and Pauline McNeill – come from Scottish Labour.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf launches motion calling on UK Government to recognise Palestine
The remainder of the support comes from SNP MSPs.
Bill Kidd (below), SNP MSP for Glasgow Anniesland said: “We welcome this motion calling for the UK to join 144 member states of the United Nations in immediately recognising the State of Palestine.
"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."
The motion urges the UK Government to immediately recognise the state of Palestine, and cites several other European countries which have already done so, including Spain and Ireland.
It also calls for a ceasefire, an end to arms sales to Israel and the immediate release of all hostages.
Further, it states that statehood is "an inalienable right of the people of Palestine, not a privilege that can be vetoed by others", and that aid groups working in Scotland to support the people of Gaza should be commended.
Scottish Labour says it supports the recognition of Palestine.
The party pointed The National to a portion of its manifesto, which reads: "Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel.
"We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."
Yousaf's motion is expected to be taken forward on Wednesday, June 26.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel