Humza Yousaf calls on UK to recognise the Palestinian state

Former first minister Humza Yousaf will use a debate in the Scottish Parliament to call on the UK Government to recognise the State of Palestine.  

Yousaf will challenge Labour leader Keir Starmer to act immediately if his party is successful in the general election.  

The motion follows in the footsteps of 144 members of the United Nations, including Ireland, Spain and Norway which have recently recognised Palestine as a state.  

Yousaf said: “Recognising Palestinian statehood is an inalienable right of the people of Palestine, not a privilege that can be vetoed by others. Anyone claiming to support a two-state solution must back immediate recognition, otherwise their words ring hollow. 

“It is imperative that whoever becomes prime minister next week takes immediate action – by following the lead of Ireland, Spain and Norway – in recognising the State of Palestine. Now is not the time to equivocate or obfuscate, this is the time for action.” 

In November 2023, Yousaf wrote to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and called for the United Kingdom to officially recognise the State of Palestine. A similar letter was also sent to the Labour leader. 

“It is essential and urgent that the UK makes clear to the Israeli government, and to the world, that in line with support for a two-state solution, only Palestinians can have authority in Gaza” he wrote.  

Yousaf’s parents-in law, Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, were visiting family in Gaza when Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October. They were trapped in Gaza for four weeks while the conflict escalated. After two failed attempts to flee, the couple were able to escape on 3 November, entering Egypt through the Rafah border crossing.  

Yousaf said: “The SNP has been Westminster’s moral compass throughout the conflict in Gaza – while the Tories and Labour have failed to add their voice to international efforts to end bloodshed and save innocent lives.”  

Last year, MSPs backed Yousaf’s motion in the Scottish Parliament calling for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.