British Labour MP to Al Jazeera Mubasher: The UK Must Recognize Palestine Immediately (Video)
Afzal Khan, a British Labour Party MP, has called for the immediate recognition of the State of Palestine, emphasizing that equality between Palestinians and Israelis is fundamental to any peaceful resolution.
Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, Khan argued that meaningful negotiations cannot take place unless both sides are granted equal political recognition.
“You cannot negotiate when one side is recognized as a state and the other is not. Bring them to the same level, then start negotiating.”
Resignation Over Labour’s Gaza Stance
Khan resigned from his position as Shadow Minister of State for the Home Office in protest of Labour’s stance on Israel’s war on Gaza. Following the events of October 7, he opposed the party’s initial refusal to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
“I resigned because Israel was violating all international laws of war, and I had to push for a ceasefire. I did not believe a temporary pause was the solution—only a complete ceasefire would be.”
Despite remaining within the Labour Party, Khan has gained strong support from pro-Palestine advocates, even as some activists urge voters to boycott the party in upcoming parliamentary elections.
Labour and International Law
Khan reiterated Labour’s commitment to human rights and international law, citing a statement from the Shadow Foreign Secretary.
“He said that if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he comes to Britain, he will be arrested.”
With the growing political pressure in the UK over Israel’s actions in Gaza, Khan’s resignation and his outspoken stance on Palestine highlight a significant rift within the Labour Party—and the increasing demand for Britain to reassess its foreign policy in the Middle East.