The British parliament voted Monday [13/10/2014] in favour of a non-binding motion to recognise the state of Palestine, in a majority vote of 274-12.

MPs on all sides urged the Government to “recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel as a contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution”.

Ed Miliband and other Labour frontbenchers voted in favour, while both Lib Dem and Conservative ministers were obliged to abstain, as is the convention with a backbench motions.

Support for the motion, while non-binding, marks a significant change in the political landscape.

At 2012 the United Nations General Assembly 134 out of 193 nations voted to recognise Palestine as a state, but the UK Government was one of a minority of nations that abstained, a decision that was much criticised both at home and abroad.

Labour declared their support for Palestinian statehood at the time of the Government’s abstention. The Shadow Foreign Secretary, Douglas Alexander MP said “Palestinian statehood is not a gift to be given, but a right to be recognised”, a position the party reaffirmed during Monday’s debate.

Grahame Morris MP said: “Recognition is not an Israeli bargaining chip, it is a Palestinian right. Public opinion is clear and Parliament has spoken. The Prime Minister must now implement the overwhelming will of Parliament and recognise Palestine as a state.”