MPs to debate petitions relating to Israel and Palestine

• Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 16 December)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
• Follow the Committee on X, formerly Twitter

Roz Savage MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

For the United Kingdom to recognise the state of Palestine immediately

The petition, which has more than 283,000 signatures, states: "We believe that the Government needs to recognise the state of Palestine immediately. Otherwise we don't think they can legitimately say they back a two-state solution."

In its response to the petition, provided on 27 February 2024, the Government said: "We must give Palestinians a credible political pathway and irreversible momentum towards the establishment of Palestine. We will recognise a Palestinian State when most conducive to the peace process."

Read the response in full

Immediately revoke all licences for arms exports to Israel

The petition, which has more than 107,000 signatures, states: "The UK is complicit in arming Israel, and many regard Israel to be committing war crimes."

In response to the petition, provided on 5 March 2024, the Government said: "HM Government takes its export control responsibilities very seriously and rigorously assesses every application on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria."

Read the response in full

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

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