MANY Thanks to Wayne David MP, who along with 274 other Members of Parliament from all parties won an important victory for the beleaguered Palestinian people. The vote to recognise Palestine as a state is not binding on the UK Government, but it is a huge step forward to that long-fought campaign to win justice for a population suffering under an illegal occupation for over 50 years.

The next step must be to force the UK Government to back a UN investigation, holding the Israeli state accountable for the war crimes it committed during its recent attack on Gaza, in which 2000 civilians were killed, including 500 children. Recognising a Palestinian state does not undermine Israel’s right to exist.

Indeed, the only way to ensure its future is through a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Recognition would also make it no longer necessary to pour millions of pounds worth of arms to Israel; and then billions more to rebuild the Gazan homes and infrastructure destroyed by those arms.

Ray Davies, Vice Chair, CND Cymru & Wendy Lewis, Cor Cochion