SNP and Greens slam Starmer's conditional Palestine stance
In response to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement that the UK could back Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September – conditional on an Israeli ceasefire and a commitment to a two-state solution –John Swinney made clear that such recognition must not be a bargaining chip.
"Having called on the UK Government to recognise the State of Palestine, I welcome the intent behind this announcement," the First Minister said.
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"However, recognition of a Palestinian state should be irreversible.
"Recognition must not be conditional and must be backed by sanctions against Israel if the violence continues."
Swinney called for an immediate ceasefire and urgent access for humanitarian aid to address the catastrophic man-made famine in Gaza.
He reiterated his support for a two-state solution, saying it remains the only viable path to lasting peace.
"A two-state solution is the only way that the Palestinian and Israeli peoples can have a future, living side-by-side in peace and security," he said. "The Palestinian people deserve no less."
His remarks came as the death toll in Gaza reportedly surpassed 60,000 – a milestone Swinney described as 'truly horrific' and 'a shame upon us all.'
He demanded that Israel commit to ending the killings and comply with international investigations into war crimes and genocide.
Swinney also called for the unconditional release of all hostages, noting the urgency of halting further bloodshed.
The Scottish Greens echoed Swinney's condemnation of conditionality, insisting that Palestinian statehood should not be subject to Israeli cooperation.
They criticised Starmer's announcement, which stated the UK could support recognition only if Israel agrees to halt its assault and engage in peace talks and only if the annexation of the West Bank ceases.
The Greens, who have long supported Palestinian statehood and denounced the occupation, described the UK Government's framing as dangerous and insulting.
They warned that Starmer's conditions effectively allow Israel to veto Palestinian sovereignty whilst continuing to displace, starve and murder Gazan civilians.
Co-leader Patrick Harvie condemned Starmer's position, calling it 'an insult to the Palestinians' right to self-determination.'
'Recognition of Palestine is decades overdue, and should not be conditional,' Harvie said.
He pointed to 'some of the worst war crimes recorded in recent history,' many of them livestreamed by perpetrators and met with silence or complicity from Western governments.
Harvie said: 'Gaza has been decimated, entire generations of families have been wiped out, and the most basic universal human rights have been stripped away.
READ MORE: Recognition of Palestine is 'worthless' without concrete action, expert says
'Starmer's words would carry some meaning if he immediately recognised the state of Palestine, called out the ongoing genocide, and ended UK complicity in arming and training the Israeli military.'
The Greens have called on the Labour Government to recognise Palestine without delay and to stop aiding Israeli forces via weapons sales and military collaboration.
They argue that Starmer's delay is a betrayal of a people 'at risk of being extinguished by genocide.'
Harvie stressed that recognition must be a starting point – not an end.
He said: 'Even if recognition for Palestine does come, it must be only the beginning – a moment when the international community steps in to stop the slaughter, end the occupation, and hold Israel's leaders to account for their crimes in front of the International Criminal Court.'
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