Jeremy Corbyn Calls on UK to Recognise Palestine on Balfour Declaration Anniversary

London, MINA – Jeremy Corbyn has called for the UK to recognise Palestine to mark the centenary of the Balfour Declaration.

The Labour leader gave a statement to mark the anniversary of the declaration, which was when foreign secretary Arthur James Balfour promised Jewish people in Palestine help in establishing a national home, talkradio.co.uk reported Friday.

He also said nothing would be done against the rights of existing communities who were not Jewish, according to The Times of Israel.

Corbyn has now said: “The second part of Britain’s pledge has still not been fulfilled and Britain’s historic role means we have a special responsibility to the Palestinian people, who are still denied their basic rights.

“Let us mark the Balfour anniversary by recognising Palestine as a step towards a genuine two-state solution of the Israel-Palestine conflict, increasing international pressure for an end to the 50-year occupation of the Palestinian territories, illegal settlement expansion and the blockade of Gaza.”

The leader of the opposition also did not attend a dinner to mark the anniversary yesterday (November 2), however Theresa May and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did.

Labour’s shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry attended the celebration in Corbyn’s place.

One of Corbyn’s aides Fabian Hamilton said he didn’t know why the leader chose not to go to the dinner in London.

However, he said: “I don’t think we should read into this that he’s boycotting Netanyahu.” (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)