The letter, penned by Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion, ahead of the UN Conference on the Middle East Peace Process in New York next week, calls on the UK government to recognise a Palestinian State.
It has been signed by 221 MPs from nine political parties, including the neighbouring MPs for Dudley and Stourbridge, Sonia Kumar and Cat Eccles.
The letter, signed by MPs from across the political spectrum, urges the government to act ahead of the UN Conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia on 28–29 July.
It states: “We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution, as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality.
“Whilst we appreciate the UK does not have it in its power to bring about a free and independent Palestine, UK recognition would have a significant impact due to our historic connections and our membership on the UN Security Council, so we urge you to take this step.
“British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine.
“Since 1980 we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people under that Mandate.”
The letter also recalls the 2014 parliamentary motion, overwhelmingly supported by the House of Commons, that stated: “This House believes that the Government should recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel.”