By James Martin McCarthy

Copyright belfastlive

The announcement from the Prime Minister that the UK will officially recognise a Palestinian state is a “long-overdue step” according to Alliance’s Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood . Ms Eastwood was speaking after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK will formally recognise the Middle Eastern state after Israel failed to meet the conditions that he set. Confirming the move on social media – as part of a co-ordinated announcement with Canada and Australia, the Prime Minister said the hope of a two-state solution was “fading…but we cannot let that light go out.” Speaking today, Mr Starmer said: “Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.” He said: “In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East , we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two state solution. That means a state and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. “At the moment we have neither.” He went on: “Ordinary people, Israeli and Palestinian, deserve to live in peace. To try to rebuild their lives free from violence and suffering. That’s what the British people desperately want to see. “Yet almost two years after the barbaric attacks of October 7th, hostages are still held by the terrorists of Hamas. Recent images showed the hostages suffering and emaciated. “Hamas even refuse to release all the bodies of the dead. I have met British families of the hostages. I see the torture they endure each and every day. Pain that strikes deep in people’s hearts across Israel and here in the United Kingdom. “The hostages must be released immediately, and we will keep fighting to bring them home.” Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement, Sorcha Eastwood said: “The UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine is a historic and long-overdue step. It sends an important signal that the Palestinian people have the same right to self-determination, statehood, and dignity as any other people. “This recognition should never have been conditional, and symbolism alone will not end the genocide in Gaza, stop the expansion of illegal settlements, or deliver justice for Palestinians. “The UK must now follow this decision with immediate, robust action, including immediately ending all arms sales to Israel, banning all trade with illegal settlements, introducing sanctions, and insisting on an immediate ceasefire with full humanitarian access to Gaza.” In a similar vein, Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney added: “The British government’s long overdue decision to recognise the State of Palestine follows the lead of the great majority of United Nations General Assembly members. “However, its words must be accompanied by concrete actions to end the genocide in Gaza and the occupation of all Palestinian Territories. “Britain must impose a complete arms embargo upon Israel and stop funding the Israeli murder machine. It should also impose full economic and political sanctions. “The British state continues to be complicit with the systematic genocide and starvation of Gaza’s population, and the daily massacres and atrocities being committed by the terrorist Israeli regime. “This British government should stop talking out of both sides of its mouth and put real pressure on Israel and the US to deliver an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and the unfettered entry of humanitarian aid, food, water, and medical supplies to Gaza.” However, TUV leader Jim Allister hit out at the move and the notion that there will now be a Palestinian embassy in London, describing the move as a “folly”. “Starmer’s recognition of Palestine is inescapably a reward for terrorism, compounded by any lack of requirement for the release of the Hamas-held hostages. Demands were made of Israel, but none of Hamas! “Now, there will be a full-blown embassy in London with all the privileges and immunity that such offers to Palestinian activists. “Meanwhile, Hamas can feel validated by not even having to surrender a single hostage! “This is yet another folly by our out-of-touch government.” For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.