Labour figures urge recognition of Palestinian state at UN conference

Ministers told symbols matter' and move would give Palestine stronger footing in future peace talks

Ministers are under pressure from inside and outside Labour to recognise Palestinian statehood at a UN conference next month, with party grandees arguing it would bolster prospects for peace and demonstrate moral leadership amid escalating tensions.

Alf Dubs, the veteran Labour peer and Holocaust survivor, said the symbolic recognition of a Palestinian state would offer Palestinians the self-respect they'd have if they had a proper state," and provide them a stronger footing in any future peace negotiations.

Even if it doesn't lead to anything immediately, it would still give Palestinians a better standing," Lord Dubs said. Symbols matter."

The former cabinet minister Peter Hain echoed the call, warning that delaying recognition until negotiations are concluded simply allows Israel's illegal occupation to become permanent". Lord Hain argued that formal recognition should be a catalyst, not a consequence" of peace talks.