The Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC) was established under Margaret Thatcher in 1980, following the Venice Declaration, when the then nine members of the European Community registered their concern over the continued building of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. They saw this as an obstacle to peace and resolved that the traditional ties and common interests which link Europe to the Middle East obliged them to play a special role in working towards that peace.
Thirty-four years later, we are no nearer to peace, and another 1,000 acres of the West Bank is to be taken over by settlers (from the New York Times).
Britain, more than any country, has an obligation to the Palestinians and we should fulfil that obligation by recognising Palestine at the United Nations. As a good friend of Israel and Palestine, the UK has always supported a viable Palestine alongside a secure Israel, and we believe this vote will help to move us closer to that goal; at the very least it will mean that the Palestinians can sit a little taller at the negotiating table.
Baroness Morris of Bolton
Chairman, CMEC
Sir Nicholas Soames MP
President, CMEC
Sir Alan Duncan MP
Deputy Chairman, CMEC
Adam Holloway MP
Vice Chairman, CMEC
Dr Phillip Lee MP
Vice Chairman, CMEC
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