JOHN Swinney has renewed calls for an end to arms sales to Israel as he attended a ceremony celebrating the UK’s recognition of the state of Palestine.
On Monday, Swinney joined Husam Zomlot, the Ambassador of the state of Palestine to the United Kingdom, during a flag-raising ceremony at the Palestinian Mission to mark the announcement made on Sunday.
Britain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood places it alongside the overwhelming majority of United Nations (UN) member states, more than 75% of whom already recognise Palestine.
Prior to Monday’s event, the First Minister renewed calls for the UK Government to ensure that implementation of the Strategic Defence Review has no support for Israel, all defence exports to the country are ended and that there is no military co-operation with Israel as the genocide continues.
“This is a historic moment for the people of Palestine which should have come long ago”, Swinney said, calling for the UK to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and commit to executing International Criminal Court arrest warrants.
“I have been clear that the UK’s recognition of the state of Palestine should have been unconditional, but this decision goes some way towards acknowledging the UK’s solemn and historic responsibility towards all peoples of the region.
“While this announcement is welcome news, this is just the first step towards establishing the two-state solution. I urge the UK Government to take further action to accelerate peace including continuing to call for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of free-flowing aid.”
Prior to the announcement from the Keir Starmer on Sunday, the First Minister also backed a ban on the exporting of goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories and withdrawing from the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement.
Swinney also reiterated concerns over the involvement of Hamas in an official Palestinian state, saying the group “must have no role” in the country’s future government.
“The international community must use all its energy to persuade and pressurise Israel to end the violence and return to a peace process," he continued.
“A two-state solution is the only option that can provide peace, prosperity and security for both the state of Palestine and the state of Israel.
“Hamas must play no role in the future of the Palestinian state. I have consistently and unequivocally condemned the brutal terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in October 2023 and I join the international community in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
“Scotland stands with the people of Palestine, and everyone in the region who yearns for peace, and I will continue to do all that I can to support those suffering in Gaza and the West Bank.”
The UK Government has been approached for comment.
