We express deep concern over recent appeals by members of both the Conservative and Labour parties urging the UK government to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state. While the pursuit of a lasting peace in the Middle East is a noble objective, such recognition, absent a comprehensive peace agreement, risks undermining the UK's longstanding commitment to a negotiated two-state solution.

Premature recognition may inadvertently legitimise entities that have not unequivocally renounced violence or recognised the State of Israel's right to exist. This could embolden extremist factions and compromise the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. Furthermore, we urge the UK government to remain vigilant against domestic groups that propagate extremist ideologies and threaten national security.

The recent proscription of organisations like Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain and the Terrorgram collective underscores the importance of addressing such threats decisively. In navigating the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, the UK must prioritise actions that foster genuine dialogue and mutual recognition between parties, while ensuring that its domestic policies reflect a zero-tolerance stance toward extremism in all its forms.