ANNIVERSARY OF THE BALFOUR DECLARATION

That this House acknowledges the centenary anniversary of the Balfour Declaration on 2 November 2017; notes that the Declaration pledged Britain's support for a national home in Palestine for the Jewish people on the understanding that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine; recognises that the promise to protect indigenous non-Jewish communities has not been accomplished and must be fulfilled; believes that the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect critically upon the role that the British Government has played and its failure to uphold obligations and safeguard the rights of Palestinians; celebrates the achievements of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra who are performing in the UK in advance of the centenary and whose work bridges the divide between Palestinians and Israelis; reaffirms its support for the negotiation of a durable peace between Israelis and Palestinians, resulting in two sovereign states of Israel and Palestine, both with viability and contiguity within secure and internationally recognised borders; and calls on the Government to recognise the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel so as to contribute to a secure and negotiated end to violent conflict.