Caabu: The UK must back Palestinian Statehood if it is to have any credibility

23 September 2011– For immediate release

Press Release

Caabu: The UK must back Palestinian Statehood if it is to have any credibility

Caabu has urged the British government to demonstrate its commitment to self-determination and the rights of Arab peoples by backing the Palestinian demand for membership of the United Nations and recognising Palestinian statehood.  Palestinians have the overwhelming support of the vast majority of nations (some 130 states) and have proven that they meet the criteria for statehood. Moreover, 71 per cent of the British public support Palestinian statehood. The only obstacle is Israel’s stubborn refusal to engage in a genuine peace process and end the 44 year old occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip whilst trapping the Palestinian leadership in fruitless talks designed to lead nowhere whilst Israel creates facts on the ground. The Israeli veto over Palestinian rights has to end.

Chris Doyle, Caabu’s Director, joined Members of Parliament and representatives of other groups in delivering a letter calling on UK support for Palestinian statehood to David Cameron, the Prime Minister on Wednesday 21 September. In a speech to demonstrators afterwards, Doyle highlighted the double standards of the UK’s position which was prepared to recognise the rights of Egyptians, Tunisians and Libyans but not Palestinians.  “All over the Arab world, we have seen extraordinary scenes of people standing up against brutal regimes demanding their rights, their freedom, their dignity. Palestinians too demand their rights, their freedoms and their dignity, and that is what we should be recognising and supporting. “

Ends…

Notes to editors:

1.       For more information contact Chris Doyle, on + 44207 832 1321 or +447968 040281

2.       See also blog by Caabu Board member Jonathan Fryer on why Britain should recognise Palestinian statehood