Will Britain recognise Palestine as a state if, as planned, the matter comes to a vote
at the UN General Assembly in September? Right now, the government says it has not decided. But if France were to push, the likelihood is that William Hague will order British diplomats either to
accept or abstain from the vote.
The strategic rationale for a Yes vote is obvious: at a time when Britain is waging war in Libya and rallying support against Syria and Iran, it would be disadvantageous to be seen by Middle Easterners as blocking Palestinian aspirations. And having accepted the case for Palestinian statehood in principle why not support it in practice?
On the other hand, voting for Palestinian statehood would divide Europe, since a number of allies will vote No, including Germany and probably Italy.
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