On Monday 13th October, MPs voted overwhelmingly to recognise Palestine as a state.
274 MPs, on all sides, voted 'yes' urging the Government to “recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel” as part of a “contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution”. Only 12 MPs voted no giving a majority of 262.
Medical Aid for Palestinians hopes that the decision by the UK Parliament can help secure the Palestinians right to health and dignity.
In the run up to the vote, several high profile figures came out in support, urging MPs to take this historic opportunity. Among them was MAP's President, Baroness Morris of Bolton, who led a group of high profile parliamentarians urging Britain to fulfil her obligation to the Palestinians:
'Britain, more than any country, has an obligation to the Palestinians and we should fulfil that obligation by recognising Palestine at the United Nations. As a good friend of Israel and Palestine, the UK has always supported a viable Palestine alongside a secure Israel, and we believe this vote will help to move us closer to that goal; at the very least it will mean that the Palestinians can sit a little taller at the negotiating table.'
This impressive outcome couldn't have been achieved without your support. Hundreds of MAP supporters joined people up and down the country who wrote to their MPs in the run up to the debate, urging them to attend and vote 'Yes'. Thank you!
