Frome and East Somerset MP Anna Sabine has urged the UK government to do more to resolve the crisis in Gaza, joining six other Somerset MPs in a growing call for official recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
Sabine, a Liberal Democrat, is among 255 MPs across the UK who have signed a letter addressed to Labour leader Keir Starmer, pushing for the UK to take a clear stand. “I was proud to add my name to this cross-party letter, spearheaded by Sarah Champion MP, calling for the recognition of Palestine,” Sabine stated. “The UK has long supported a two-state solution, given our history as a member of the UN Security Council and as co-authors of the Balfour Declaration. But at this critical juncture, it’s imperative that we affirm the legitimacy of Palestine as a state.”
She expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing violence and loss of innocent lives in Gaza. “While the UK may not have the power to immediately bring about a free and independent Palestine, we must unequivocally affirm both Palestine’s and Israel’s right to exist,” she said. “The current humanitarian crisis is unconscionable and deplorable, and our response so far is simply insufficient.”
READ MORE: Wiltshire Council Unites Against Massive Lime Down Solar Park Plan
READ MORE: Council Secures Injunction to Halt New Occupants at Somerset Travellers’ Site
Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as just under 40% of MPs have now endorsed the letter, including seven of the 11 MPs representing constituencies in Somerset.
North Somerset Labour MP Sadik Al-Hassan, also a signatory, called for “concrete action” in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter). “The government must harden its stance and oppose the intolerable suffering inflicted upon Gaza’s civilians,” he declared. “There is no alternative to decisive action unless Israel halts its offensive. The use of humanitarian aid as a political or military tool is abhorrent. A two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace. We demand an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and restoration of aid.”
The full list of Somerset MPs who have signed the letter highlights a strong regional demand for the UK government to take decisive diplomatic steps toward recognising Palestine.