The UK should recognise Palestine – and send a message to Netanyahu that we believe in international law.
The last ten months have been deeply challenging for Layla Moran, the UK’s only British-Palestinian MP, as she navigates a personal and professional crisis. The shock of October 7, 2023, when violence erupted on a horrific scale, continues to haunt her. The sense of loss and horror faced by families waiting for news of their loved ones, as she notes, cannot be justified by any circumstances.
As a member of Parliament, Moran’s connection to Palestine is both deeply personal and professional. Her family’s roots trace back to Jerusalem, where her great-grandfather documented life in the city before the upheaval of 1948. The Nakba, which displaced her family and countless others, marks a pivotal moment in Palestinian history that continues to shape their lives.
The impact of these personal experiences makes her position on the issue even more poignant. Moran has become an advocate for the UK’s recognition of Palestine, hoping that such a move would send a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling the UK’s commitment to international law and human rights. Her call for recognition is a plea not just for Palestinian sovereignty, but for a fair and just response to the ongoing crisis.