Menu
10/06/2024
SDLP Urges Next UK Govt To Recognise State Of Palestine
The SDLP has called on the next UK government to follow the lead of Ireland, Norway and Spain and officially recognise the state of Palestine.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastowood has wrote to British Foreign Secretary David Cameron last month ahead of an important UN General Assembly vote on whether Palestine met the criteria for admission to the body urging the former Prime Minister to recognise the legitimate aspirations of both peoples.
The SDLP Leader and candidate for Foyle said that a Labour government should take risks for peace in the same way that previous Labour administrations had done in Northern Ireland.
Mr Eastwood said: "I joined peace activists at Grianán of Aileach this week to send a message of solidarity to tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza who are living in the middle of a genocide. The people of Derry and people across this island stand steadfast against the horrors being inflicted on innocent people by the government of Israel and Hamas.
"The SDLP's long standing view is that the only path to peace in the region is based on a durable and sustainable two-state solution. That must begin with recognition of the legitimate aspirations and rights of both peoples in the eyes of the international community. That is why I wrote to the British Foreign Secretary last month urging him to reverse his government's decision to abstain on Palestinian statehood and membership of the United Nations.
"Now as it looks increasingly likely that there will be a new government in Britain, I will be using my influence to press for a new administration to follow the lead of Ireland, Norway and Spain and recognise the state of Palestine as an important step in advancing a new peace process that provides dignity, safety and space for the pursuit of the legitimate ambitions of both peoples.
"We all have a responsibility to act for peace and to bring this genocide to an end. Labour governments have taken risks for peace before - SDLP MPs will press them to do the same for the people of Gaza."
SDLP Leader Colum Eastowood has wrote to British Foreign Secretary David Cameron last month ahead of an important UN General Assembly vote on whether Palestine met the criteria for admission to the body urging the former Prime Minister to recognise the legitimate aspirations of both peoples.
The SDLP Leader and candidate for Foyle said that a Labour government should take risks for peace in the same way that previous Labour administrations had done in Northern Ireland.
Mr Eastwood said: "I joined peace activists at Grianán of Aileach this week to send a message of solidarity to tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza who are living in the middle of a genocide. The people of Derry and people across this island stand steadfast against the horrors being inflicted on innocent people by the government of Israel and Hamas.
"The SDLP's long standing view is that the only path to peace in the region is based on a durable and sustainable two-state solution. That must begin with recognition of the legitimate aspirations and rights of both peoples in the eyes of the international community. That is why I wrote to the British Foreign Secretary last month urging him to reverse his government's decision to abstain on Palestinian statehood and membership of the United Nations.
"Now as it looks increasingly likely that there will be a new government in Britain, I will be using my influence to press for a new administration to follow the lead of Ireland, Norway and Spain and recognise the state of Palestine as an important step in advancing a new peace process that provides dignity, safety and space for the pursuit of the legitimate ambitions of both peoples.
"We all have a responsibility to act for peace and to bring this genocide to an end. Labour governments have taken risks for peace before - SDLP MPs will press them to do the same for the people of Gaza."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
31 May 2013
Orange Order Withdraws Application To Use Portadown Peoples Park
Portadown Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Duffy has welcomed the Orange Order’s decision to withdraw their application to use Portadown Peoples Park as part of their Mini Twelfth parade in the town. Councillor Paul Duffy said: "There will be a collective sigh of relief across all sections of the community in Portadown that common sense has prevailed.
Orange Order Withdraws Application To Use Portadown Peoples Park
Portadown Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Duffy has welcomed the Orange Order’s decision to withdraw their application to use Portadown Peoples Park as part of their Mini Twelfth parade in the town. Councillor Paul Duffy said: "There will be a collective sigh of relief across all sections of the community in Portadown that common sense has prevailed.
22 May 2024
SDLP Welcomes Ireland's Formal Recognition Of The State Of Palestine
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed the Irish Government's formal recognition of Palestine as a state and urged UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, to do the same at an upcoming United Nations General Assembly resolution.
SDLP Welcomes Ireland's Formal Recognition Of The State Of Palestine
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed the Irish Government's formal recognition of Palestine as a state and urged UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, to do the same at an upcoming United Nations General Assembly resolution.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
