Lib Dems to recognise Palestine ‘as and when it helps bring two-state solution’
Party's manifesto condemns Palestinian terror and Israel's 'continued illegal policy of settlements'
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to recognise Palestine “as and when it will help the prospects of a two-state solution”.
The commitment comes in the party’s manifesto, launched two days after Labour vowed to “immediately” recognise the state should it come to power.
Saying the party remains committed to a negotiated peace settlement leading to two states, it adds: “We condemn disproportionate force used by all sides. We condemn Hamas’ rocket attacks and other targeting of Israeli civilians. We condemn Israel’s continued illegal policy of settlement expansion, which undermines the possibility of a two-state solution.” During the last Gaza conflict, then leader Nick Clegg drew anger from Israel’s supporters by describing Israel’s actions as “disproportionate”.
Farron, speaking to the Jewish News last week, said he would defend Israel’s right to defend itself when attacked but reserved the right to call out the government “when it makes decisions we think are excessive and may actually make the situation worse”. He said many were too quick to condemn Israel’s failures “but very quiet when it comes to the terrorists that attack Israel and claim innocent lives”.
The manifesto also pledges to campaign to reduce intolerance including anti-Semitism with groups including the Anne Frank Trust. On refugees, the party pledges to expand the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme to offer sanctuary to 50,000 during the next Parliament and reopen the Dubs scheme to aid unaccompanied children in Europe.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
