Continuing to Speak Up on Palestine
I have long supported the rights of the Palestinian people and remain a longstanding member of Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East. Throughout my time as your MP, I have consistently spoken up for international law and a renewed commitment to a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
Supporting Recognition of the State of Palestine
The 2024 Labour Manifesto made clear that Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. It is essential to the long-term security of Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. I continue to support that commitment and believe recognition is an important step towards achieving a lasting peace.
On 10 July 2025, I added my name to a Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East letter to the Foreign Secretary calling for the urgent recognition of the State of Palestine. The letter also raised serious concerns about reported plans to forcibly transfer Palestinian civilians in Gaza to a camp in Rafah without allowing them to leave. It called for:
The recognition of the State of Palestine.
Continued UK support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The immediate and full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The release of all hostages.
A thorough review of UK trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
You can read the letter here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfezu4d
On 25 July 2025, I joined colleagues from across Parliament in signing a cross-party letter urging the then Foreign Secretary to recognise the State of Palestine ahead of the United Nations Conference in New York. The letter called on the Government to honour its long-standing commitment to a two-state solution and to use Britain's influence on the international stage to help secure a lasting peace. You can read it here: https://tinyurl.com/4deyj766
I was very pleased that in September 2025, this Labour Government formally recognised the State of Palestine.
Opposing the Great Israeli Real Estate Event
On 12 June 2026, I joined parliamentary colleagues in urging the then Foreign Secretary to prevent the "Great Israeli Real Estate Event" from taking place in London.
We argued that the Government had an opportunity to uphold its obligations under international law and take action in relation to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.
You can read the full letter here: https://tinyurl.com/yc22jh23
Meeting Palestinian Trade Union Leaders
On 6 July 2026, I attended a parliamentary briefing organised by Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East and the Trades Union Congress to meet with Palestinian trade union representatives.
It was an important opportunity to discuss Palestinian workers' rights and the role the international labour movement can play in supporting peace and justice. I met with Shaher Sae'd, General Secretary of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions, Dr Hind Benammar, Executive Secretary of the Arab Trade Union Confederation, and His Excellency Dr Husam Zomlot, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the United Kingdom.
Action by this Labour Government
Since coming into office, the Labour Government has taken concrete action; from suspending arms licenses and sanctioning far-right Israeli ministers, including Smotrich and Ben Gvir, to nearly a quarter of a billion pounds of humanitarian support, support for hostage families and a landmark agreement with the recognised State of Palestine.
On 8 September 2026, the British Government announced further measures in response to Israel's ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory, concluding that the occupation is unlawful in line with the finding of the International Court of Justice. This action was in conjunction with France and Canada and it follows action being taken by partners including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Norway – all of whom either already have measures in place or are taking steps to restrict trade linked to illegal Israeli settlements by banning the import of settlement goods.
The measures include:
banning trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements and taking action on related services;
introducing new powers to designate individuals and companies that support, facilitate or profit from illegal settlement activity;
banning the advertising or promotion of land and property in illegal settlements;
strengthening the UK's global human rights sanctions regime to target those who breach international humanitarian law;
sanctioning extremist settlers who have supported or incited violence against Palestinian communities; and
working with international partners to increase pressure against illegal settlement activity.
I also welcome the current ceasefire deal. It is a moment of relief for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering, and we need to ensure the ceasefire holds. I continue to call on all parties to meet their commitments, to end the war and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to long-term peace.
As your MP, I will continue to speak up for the people of Palestine and press the Government on this matter. I have repeatedly questioned the Government on what more Britain can do to ensure that food and medicine reach all those in need. You can see my questions here: https://shorturl.at/s9lr2 (2025) & https://shorturl.at/05QAz (2024).
I remain committed to achieving a secure Israel living alongside a viable, sovereign Palestinian state, because a negotiated two-state solution remains the only credible path to a just and lasting peace for both peoples.