MP debates Palestinian Territories and Israeli settlements

During a debate in the House of Commons this week, Naz Shah MP called on the British Government to do more to push for peace between Israel and Palestine.

In the debate she also called on the British government to act on the resolution signed in December at the UN and to move from condemnation to accountability.’

Members of the Commons today voted on a motion to call on the UK government to reaffirm its commitment to a peaceful negotiated solution between Israel and Palestine.

It commends the UN resolution 2334, which confirms that the UK believes that settlements and further expansion across the green line are a flagrant violation of international law.

The motion also calls on the Israeli government to halt the planning and construction of residential settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which is both contrary to international law and undermines the prospects and viability of the state of Palestine.

However, the Israeli Parliament passed a law on Monday evening, called the ‘Regulation Bill’ that would allow some 4,000 homes already constructed in Palestine, on private land, to be legalised. This goes against all values and basic principles of democracy and Israeli law.

Naz Shah Said: "Like the Palestinians have done since 1993, I also recognize and accept a two-state solution, and for Israel’s existence.”

“We as a country have been very clear that settlements are an obstacle to peace, they have no legality and, are against international law.”

“The new ‘regulation’ bill flies in the face of the UN resolution we have just committed to.”

“For the Israeli government to attempt legislate in a land that is not under the rule of their Parliament, where the people of that land have no representation, is a travesty.”

“This year marks 50 years of occupation. It high time we move beyond condemnation to accountability.”

And so it begins… Trump and Clinton begin their debates

HEAD-TO-HEAD: Latest polls suggest that Trump and Clinton are neck-and-neck in the race for the White House

The first of four televised debates between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump was streamed around the world earlier this week, as the race for the Presidential hot seat heated up in the States.

It was a showdown of the lawyer and the businessman, with two very different characters taking to the stage and watched by an estimated 100 million people around the world.

Clinton’s political background and her career in the courts served her well as she handled many questions with prowess and Trump was, at times, more animated than his rival.

He labelled the Democratic nominee as ‘lacking stamina’ for the role of President, to which his opponent replied: “As soon as he travels to 112 countries and negotiates a peace deal, a ceasefire, a release of dissidents, an opening of new opportunities in nations around the world or even spends 11 hours testifying in front of a congressional committee, he can talk to me about stamina.”

Clinton questioned Trump’s record on sexist comments, his labelling of climate change as a ‘Chinese hoax’ and for not disclosing his tax returns – the latter topic resulted in a retort from Trump with questions about Clinton’s private email set-up when she was Secretary of State.

All in all, the two candidates came head-to-head for the first time on this campaign rally and set the fuses alight, with some minor sparks and bangs.

The biggest question now is... which one of them will shine like a firework display on 4th July and which one will blow their lid?