Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about the Middle East Peace Process.
I appreciate your concerns about the situation in the region. That is why I firmly support the UK’s longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process.
There should be a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a fair and realistic settlement for refugees. The UK Government consistently calls for an immediate end to all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution. This includes terrorism, anti-Semitic incitement, settlement expansion, and the demolition of Palestinian property in the West Bank.
I personally welcome the release of the proposal by the US for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, which clearly reflects extensive investment in time and effort. Only the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian territories can determine whether the proposals can meet the needs and aspirations of the people they represent. I would encourage them to give the latest plan genuine and fair consideration, and to explore whether it might prove a first step on the road back to negotiations. That being said, the UK’s position has not changed.
At this highly sensitive time in the region, the priority now must be to encourage the US, Israelis, Palestinians and partners in the international community to find a means of resuming the dialogue necessary for securing a negotiated settlement.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Mel Stride MP
MP for Central Devon
