London Defence Conference: Defence and security will be priorities, say Labour

Labour shadow ministers have said they remain committed to defence and security and there will be “no change in support for Ukraine” if they are elected to government.

The Rt Hon John Healey, Shadow Defence Secretary and the Rt Hon David Lammy, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, addressed the London Defence Conference at King’s College London.

Mr Healey said: “There will be a general election in Britain. There may be a change of government in Britain. But there will be no change in Britain’s resolve to stand with Ukraine, to confront Russian aggression or to pursue Putin for his war crimes.”

He added: “We have not done enough to make clear defence of the UK starts in Ukraine.”

Mr Healey spoke of a recent visit to Ukraine he conducted with Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, and the importance of that cross department collaborating and recognising that the war in Ukraine is not just a military issue but affects diplomacy, trade and industry.

“[The public] are not raising security and foreign affairs [as an issue]. They’re raising the cost of living, they’re raising the cost of the NHS, they’re raising crime in their neighborhoods.

Rt Hon Mr David Lammy, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

He added: “They do understand however that the cost of living, particularly, is driven by foreign policy and world events.

"A foreign office under [Labour] has to be centred on growth and economic security.”

Earlier at the conference, Mr Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, spoke about the need for countries to increase defence to 2.5 percent. Mr Healey said that despite announcing the raise in 2022, the Government has not included or costed that figure in any of their budgets or spending statements released since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Mr Healey said: “People judge governments on what they do, not just what they say. [...] The last time this country spent 2.5% of GDP on defence was in 2010 with Labour, no one has matched that since.”

The panel was hosted by Mark Urban, Diplomatic Editor of BBC Newsnight at the second day of the London Defence Conference, hosted at King's. 

22 May 2024

Day 2: The London Defence Conference 2024: Deterrence, collaboration and resilience

Security experts, political leaders, academics and commentators came together today to explore the role of deterrence and how to strengthen defence and security in an increasingly dangerous world.

Hosted by King's College London, the conference discussed what we can learn from history, nuclear deterrence, national resilience and the role of conventional forces.

In a keynote address Rt Hon Grant Shapps, MP, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, warned that “lethal aid” is flowing from China to Russia and into Ukraine.

Today I can reveal that we have evidence that Russia and China are collaborating on combat equipment for use in Ukraine. As we saw from the Putin state visit to Beijing and the 64% growth in trade between Russia and China since the full scale in invasion, they’re covering each other’s backs.

Rt Hon Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence

He added: "I think it is a significant development and we should be concerned about that because in the earlier days of this war China would present itself as acting as a moderating influence on Putin.”

Mr Shapps reaffirmed the Government’s plan to increase defence spending from 2 to 2.5% of GDP and took aim at countries who aren’t committing as much to defence

The conference also heard from the Rt Hon John Healey, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, and the Rt Hon David Lammy, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, who said Labour remains committed to defence and security and there will be “no change in support for Ukraine” if they are elected to government.

There will be a General Election in Britain. There may be a change of government in Britain. But there will be no change in Britain’s resolve to stand with Ukraine, to confront Russian aggression or to pursue Putin for his war crimes.

John Healey, Shadow Defence Secretary

Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden told the conference that a new series of measures will prepare the nation for crises such as a cyber attacks, solar flares, power outages and another pandemic.

“We are working ahead of time to equip the whole of society to prepare for and even prevent the next shock while delivering a clear and robust plan that is so vital to our national defences. The new measures I have set out today give us yet more tools in our armoury.

Oliver Dowden, Deputy Prime Minister

As well as encouraging households to ensure they have non-perishable foods, bottles of water and torches in case of an emergency, the Prime Minister announced a new website, training for MPs and a new programme to model what would happen in another pandemic to make the UK more resilient.

In his opening remarks, King’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Shitij Kapur, said King’s is home to one of the largest group of scholars dedicated to security and war studies.

He praised the 'Future Leaders' first day of the conference, held on 21 May, which brought together students and young professionals and he highlighted that King’s was founded almost 200 years ago by the then Prime Minister the Duke of Wellington.

I think he would be very proud to know 200 years on the institution that he founded still has a central role in matters of security.

Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor and President, King's College London

Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Professor Niall Ferguson and Professor Margaret Macmillan explored what we can learn from history about the art of deterrence and also whether Russia’s invasion of Ukraine showed a failure of deterrence.

In a panel on ‘Threats and Who needs Deterring’, Dr Jade McGlynn of the Department of War Studies, said there needs to be greater focus on what is at stake should Russia achieve some sort of victory in Ukraine and how if this were to happen, the costs to the British people would be enormous.

On the role of nuclear weapons as a deterrent in light of the Ukraine war, Professor Sir David Omand, a visiting professor in the Department of War Studies, said: "It is vital that Putin continues to believe that an armed attack on a member of NATO would set in train events he can’t control."

In a discussion on conventional deterrence, Air Chief Marshall Lord Peach, Brigadier General David Doss, Lt General Andrew Harrison and Jack Watling were asked about the upcoming General Election. They said it was essential for defence to remain a priority and for alignment across government on spending.

The annual London Defence Conference, hosted at Bush House by King’s School of Security Studies, continues tomorrow.

 WALES

Mine restoration money ‘lost in the ether’

22 May 2024 

The Ffos Y Fran Land Reclamation Scheme In Merthyr Tydfil. Picture From Google Maps.

Chris Haines ICNN Senedd reporter

Plans to restore the last opencast mine in the UK could be significantly curtailed due to a shortfall of tens of millions of pounds, a committee heard.

MSs on the Senedd’s climate change committee grilled representatives of Merthyr Tydfil council, which initially declined to give oral evidence about restoration of Ffos y Fran.

David Cross, principal planning officer at the council, told the committee the cost of restoration has been estimated at between £75m and £125m.

“The reality of the situation is that we have only got £15m,” he said, cautioning that restoration plans will be “quite different to what we originally agreed”.

Llŷr Gruffydd raised concerns about the site operator, Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd (MSW), earmarking £15m for site restoration while company accounts reference nearly £75m.

‘Guarantee’

The Plaid Cymru MS, who chairs the committee, asked  “What’s this £74.5m sitting in a bank account doing then if they don’t believe it’s for that purpose?”

Mr Cross replied: “Whether that money’s there or not, that’s for MSW.”

Geraint Morgan, a council solicitor, said initial planning permission was granted by the then-Assembly in 2005, with a requirement for a £15m bond and a £15m guarantee.

Extinction Rebellion protestors display a banner at Ffos-y-frân opencast mine in Merthyr Tydfil

Mr Morgan explained that when Miller Argent sold the site in 2015, MSW agreed to pay £625,000 a quarter into an escrow account.

Pressed on where the £15m guarantee has gone, Mr Morgan said: “I can’t actually answer that. A parent company guarantee is only worth what a company is worth.”

‘Grim’

He said latest accounts show about £104,000 in Merthyr Holdings Ltd, the parent company.

“That’s more grim than I thought,” said Janet Finch-Saunders, the Tory MS for Aberconwy, raising concerns about the £15m “which seems to be somewhere in the ether”.

Stressing that restoration is a matter for the developer, he told the committee it was always understood that £15m would not necessarily be sufficient to restore the site.

He said the company failed to make payments and the council had to take high court action, but the developer has now met the £15m escrow requirement.

Mr Cross told the committee an annual assessment of liability is not in place despite 2016 Coal Authority best practice guidelines because permission was granted long before.

‘Challenging’

He warned: “If you go through enforcement and you may be even successful – if there’s no funds in the pot to actually deliver the restoration, it becomes a difficult challenge.”

Ellis Cooper, chief executive, described the relationship with the developer as challenging, saying a revised restoration scheme is set to be brought forward by November.

Ffos-y-Fran opencast coal mine

Asked about concerns the operator could abandon the site or declare insolvency, Mr Morgan said the site could ultimately be owned by the Welsh Government or Crown Estate.

He told the meeting on May 22 that the council is renegotiating terms for use of the escrow money to allow some restoration in accordance with a 2007 approved strategy.

He said the deal will be drafted so the money is released after work has been carried out.

‘Mess’

Geraint Thomas, leader of the independent-controlled council, said the fly in the ointment of restoration plans was the British coal industry being privatised in 1994.

Cllr Thomas, who worked on the site in the ’90s, suggested the council has been left in a mess without the required funds for restoration.

Asked about a strained relationship with residents, the Cyfarthfa ward councillor claimed: “If you ask the majority of people in Merthyr Tydfil, they’d be quite happy.”

He said the financial benefits of the site have been imperative to keeping many sports clubs and community organisations running over the past 10 to 12 years.

Pressed on who is ultimately responsible for what has happened at Ffos y Fran, Mr Cross pointed the finger firmly at the developer.

 

Majority of Scots now identify as non-religious

Those who consider themselves Muslim increased from 1.45 per cent to 2.2 per cent over 10 years 

22 May, 2024

By: Pramod Thomas

A majority of people in Scotland now say they have no religion, according to details of the latest census published on Tuesday (21), in a first for any UK nation.

The National Records of Scotland said more than half (51.1 per cent) of respondents in the 2022 census stated they had “no religion” — a jump from 36.7 per cent in 2011.

In England and Wales, “no religion” was the second-most common response, increasing from one in four (25.2 per cent) in the 2011 census to just over a third (37.2 per cent) in 2021.

Northern Ireland saw a smaller increase in the response, from 10.1 per cent in 2011 to 17.4 per cent 10 years later.

Data collection for the 2021 UK census was delayed for a year in Scotland because of Covid restrictions in place at the time.

The latest figures reflect increasing secularisation among once-dominant Christian denominations in both Scotland and the wider UK, and declining church attendances.

In Scotland, one in five (20.4 per cent) considered themselves part of the Protestant Church of Scotland, down from just under a third a decade earlier.

Roman Catholics saw their numbers ebb from 15.9 per cent to 13.3 per cent, with a similar fall in “other Christian” categories.

In contrast, those who consider themselves Muslim increased from 1.45 per cent to 2.2 per cent over 10 years.

The last UK census was the first time that less than half of the population of England and Wales described themselves as “Christian”.

“Christian” was still the most common response but fell from 59.3 per cent to 46.2 per cent over a decade — the equivalent of 33.3 million to 27.5 million people.

In the same period, respondents answering “Muslim” increased from 4.9 per cent to 6.5 per cent or 2.7 million to 3.9 million, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The number of Catholics living in Northern Ireland in 2021 exceeded the total of Protestants and other Christian denominations for the first time.

The British-run province was created in 1921 as a Protestant-majority enclave.

(AFP)

Citi fined $78M by British regulators for high-frequency trading, risk control rule breaches


London's Canary Wharf from where Citi operates its European investment banking business from offices in its building in Canada Square. 

File photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | 

May 22 (UPI) -- U.S. investment bank Citi was hit with $78.4 million in fines by British regulators Wednesday for failings in its trading systems and controls including a notorious "fat-finger" blunder in which a trader accidentally executed a $1.4 billion short that momentarily sent European stock markets into free-fall.

The Prudential Regulation Authority fined Citigroup Global Markets $43.1 million for weaknesses in its trading systems and controls between April 2018 and May 2022 which it failed to adequately remedy despite repeated nudges from the regulator, the Bank of England said in a news release.

The investment banking and trading division of the firm received a 30% discount from what would have been a $61.6 million fine for cooperating and agreeing to resolve the matter.

However, Citi received a further $35.3 million fine from the Financial Conduct Authority following a parallel investigation into "related matters."

"Firms involved in trading must have effective controls in place in order to manage the risks involved. CGML failed to meet the standards we expect in this area, resulting in today's fine," said PRA deputy governor and CEO Sam Woods.

The PRA said it expected firms to fix issues flagged up to them promptly and completely and Citi's failure to do so meant "certain of the issues crystallized into trading incidents."

The most significant, the PRA said, was the so-called fat-fingered error on May 2, 2022, when an inexperienced trader incorrectly input what was supposed to be a routine multi-million dollar sell order.

CGML's internal circuit breakers blocked more than half of the $444 billion order the trader was attempting to place and the trader managed to cancel most of the rest "resulting in $1.4 billion inadvertently being executed on European exchanges."

"Deficiencies in CGML's trading controls contributed to this incident, in particular the absence of certain preventative hard blocks and the inappropriate calibration of other controls," the PRA said.

A Citi spokesman said that the bank was happy to conclude an old matter which it said was due to "an individual error that was identified and corrected within minutes."

"We immediately took steps to strengthen our systems and controls, and remain committed to ensuring full regulatory compliance." the spokesperson told CNBC.

The PRA had charged that algorithmic trading at the firm was implemented improperly, finding CGML had breached rules requiring it to ensure that appropriate thresholds and limits were applied to automated systems that buy and sell using pre-set parameters.

It also broke regulations requiring algorithmic trading systems be fully tested and monitored to ensure they comply with PRA rules.

CGML was additionally found to have breached rules requiring firms to conduct business with "due skill, care and diligence," have effective risk strategies and risk management systems and organize and control its affairs "responsibly and effectively."

The PRA stressed that following the May 2022 trading incident, CGML has undertaken remediation work and taken steps to improve and strengthen its trading controls.

Continued sharp rise in UK cases of non-compliance with laws protecting animals in laboratories


Cruelty Free International

Animal protection NGO Cruelty Free International is again calling on the government to ensure proper enforcement of the law protecting animals used in experiments in the UK. The latest UK Home Office report shows that non-compliance with the law continues. Abandonment of the previous inspection programme, and roll out of a new audit approach in 2021, has not stopped failings in the care of animals in laboratories.

The annual report for 2022 has been published by the Home Office’s Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU), the regulator which oversees the use of animals in research and testing in the United Kingdom according to the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). ASPA is the UK law which permits the use of animals in scientific research and controls which animals can be used and for what purpose, and requires that animals are only used in research when there are no alternatives, only the minimum number of animals needed are used, and only the minimum possible suffering or lasting harm is caused.

The report reveals that in 2022, non-compliance with ASPA requirements continued with 175 cases of non-compliance across 51 different UK establishments, a sharp increase of 43% compared to the 122 cases recorded for 2021.

Under the new audit scheme, the Home Office performed audits of only 56 establishments, with only 4 “full systems audits” conducted. The report does not explain how many non-compliance cases were revealed by audits as opposed to being self-reported. Since the ASRU report relies heavily on self-reporting, it seems very likely that many incidents remain unreported and unidentified. For comparison1, in 2019 ASRU undertook 470 inspections of establishments where scientific work on animals was conducted. Moreover, the ASRU employed a total of just 25 people at the end of 2022, working an equivalent of 19.7 full-time employees which is three-and-a-half less than the 23.2 full-time equivalent employees in 2020.

We do not believe that the Home Office’s new audit approach and staffing levels are sufficient for the true picture of animals’ lives in laboratories to be revealed. Nevertheless, the ASRU reports still show that animals in laboratories are being failed. We calculate a shocking 420% increase in failures to provide adequate care for animals between 2018 and 2022.

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The 2022 report reveals that a total of 16,062 animals were involved in the 175 cases of non-compliance, including a horse, two dogs, 53 non-human primates, hundreds of rats and thousands each of chickens, fish and mice. 1,063 of those animals suffered “adverse welfare outcomes”. 78 cases were related to the failure to provide appropriate care for animals, including food, water and suitable facilities. The other 97 were failures to adhere to licensing guidelines.

There were many examples of animals being left without food or water for up to four days, leading in some cases to the deaths and euthanasia of animals involved. In other instances, non-human primates were temporarily deprived of water without authorisation, while another was not given the minimum daily fluid requirement. Other recorded incidents include: multiple cases of failing or faulty equipment leading to hundreds of deaths, including by drowning and poor ventilation; the deaths of mouse pups as a result of them being removed from their mother without authority or the mother being wrongly killed; 710 mice being exposed to continuous light for up to 12 days. 35 animals, including a dog and 17 mice, were allowed to live after the usual point for humane euthanasia had been passed; and four pregnant mice were unintentionally used in procedures.

ASRU has six options with which to deal with cases of non-compliance, from a letter of advice from an Inspector, to a prosecution of the most extreme cases which could lead to a fine or prison sentence. However, in 70% of cases (123 of 175) in 2022, the only course of action was to issue advice from an Inspector. Just two cases resulted in re-training of staff, following an unauthorised second dose being given to animals in error and where a procedure was performed by a technician without the required licence. Re-training is described as necessary “where a licensee has demonstrated that they do not have the expected level of knowledge of their legal responsibilities or to undertake procedures” but neither of these cases were recognised as having caused harm or death to the animals involved.

Dr Emma Grange, Cruelty Free International’s Director of Science and Regulatory Affairs, said: “Yet again, the cases in the ASRU report illustrate a long-running systemic failure to protect animals and a lack of care for or interest in the wellbeing of animals used in laboratories. The very least these animals, which are ultimately condemned to suffer and die in experiments, deserve is consideration for their welfare.

“We are renewing our call on the regulator to properly enforce the law – allowing animals to die through pure negligence should result in more serious consequences than a letter of advice. Furthermore, the suffering detailed in this latest report underlines the need to enforce the principle of testing on animals only as a last resort, and for accelerated transition to animal-free approaches in science.

Page 25 of Animals in Science Regulation Unit Annual reports 2019 to 2021 - Revised (publishing.service.gov.uk)

 Scottish Government calls on Westminster to recognise Palestine statehood

James Walker
Wed, 22 May 2024 

Angus Robertson made the call on Wednesday


THE Scottish Government has called on the UK Government to recognise Palestine as an independent state.

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has urged UK ministers to join Ireland, Norway and Spain – who announced the move on Wednesday.

Irish premier Simon Harris told journalists in Dublin the decision was taken due to his country’s understanding of the fight for international recognition, adding it was based on a “permanent peace”.


The move has created more of a push north of the border, with Robertson saying the Scottish Government are reiterating a previous call for the UK to review its position following the "welcome decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain".

READ MORE: UK Government under pressure to recognise Palestinian statehood

"It is only with full recognition of Palestine, as a state in its own right, that we can truly move forward towards a two-state solution," he added.

"Recognition would offer hope to Palestinians that a just and durable political solution is possible, and would allow Israel and Gaza to move towards long term peace and stability which is in the interests of all parties."

Robertson was joined in the call by former first minister Humza Yousaf, who has consistently pushed for a ceasefire in Gaza since the conflict began last year, and praised the “courageous moral leadership” of the three countries.

“It is time other governments stopped paying mere lip-service to a two-state solution,” he posted.

“The UK Government must now officially recognise the state of Palestine.”



Scottish Greens external affairs spokesman Ross Greer, meanwhile, has lodged a motion in Holyrood to put more pressure on Westminster (above).

He said: “I am glad that so many European countries are finally joining the vast majority of the world in recognising the state of Palestine.

“As one of the countries most responsible for the decades of injustice inflicted on Palestinians, I hope the UK will now join in that recognition and begin to undo the harm it has done.

“The refusal to recognise Palestine by a handful of powerful countries led by the US and UK has not only been shameful, it has made the situation worse.

“It has been used to undermine the Palestinian people and their efforts to achieve liberation and a lasting peace.”

The UK Government has been contacted for comment.

SDLP Welcomes Ireland's Formal Recognition Of The State Of Palestine

SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC LABOUR PARTY

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed the Irish Government's formal recognition of Palestine as a state and urged UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, to do the same at an upcoming United Nations General Assembly resolution.

Colum Eastwood MP said: "I welcome and strongly endorse the decision of the Irish Government to recognise the state of Palestine today. Following an important vote by the United Nations General Assembly earlier in the month, this generates further momentum toward recognition of Palestine and a durable two-state solution to conflict in the region.

  

"A sustainable peace must begin with recognition of the legitimate aspirations and rights of both peoples in the eyes of the international community. A peace process, as far off as that may feel right now, will only succeed if the people of Israel and Palestine are equal partners. Today's decision is an honest reflection of that unavoidable truth.

"I sincerely hope that this act of recognition will be followed in other capitals in the time ahead. The international community has been slow to address the horrors inflicted on the people of Gaza following the inhumanity of the Hamas attacks. Now is the time to escalate efforts for peace."

Israel withdraws ambassador after Ireland recognises Palestinian statehood

Cate McCurry and Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA
Wed, 22 May 2024 

Israel has ordered back its ambassador from Ireland, after its foreign affairs minister called the decision by the Irish Government and other nations to recognise Palestine a “distorted step”.

Ireland announced on Wednesday that it will formally recognise the state of Palestine, with premier Simon Harris saying the country is joining Norway and Spain in making the historic move.

Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz then accused Ireland of undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security, saying he has ordered Ambassador Dana Erlich to return to Israel.

“I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries’ decisions to recognise a Palestinian state,” Mr Katz said on social media site X.

“I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security.

“Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism pays.

“After the Hamas terror organisation carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after committing heinous sexual crimes witnessed by the world, these countries chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognising a Palestinian state.

“This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of 7/10, a blow to efforts to return the 128 hostages, and a boost to Hamas and Iran’s jihadists, which undermines the chance for peace and questions Israel’s right to self-defence.

“Israel will not remain silent – there will be further severe consequences.

“The Irish-Norwegian folly does not deter us; we are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens, dismantling Hamas, and bringing the hostages home.

“There are no more just causes than these.”

The Israeli embassy in Ireland also released a statement saying it views Ireland’s move as “undermining its sovereignty and security” and as “damaging to our bilateral relations”.

“We are disappointed by the Irish government’s decision on recognition, which follows worrying initiatives and statements in recent months,” it said in a statement.

Reacting to the statement, Mr Harris said Israel “loses nothing” from the recognition of the state of Palestine.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said there must be a two-state solution (Damien Storan/PA)

“We need to see a two-state solution,” he said. “A solution that recognises the state of Israel, recognises the state of Palestine and recognises that both have a right to exist in peace, security and stability in the region.

“We must now, in the face of huge adversity and huge challenge, keep the destination of a two-state solution alive.

“We must be on the right side of history. When people look back on this period of time in the decades ahead, I want to be able to say proudly that Ireland spoke up and spoke out in favour of international law, in favour of a political pathway to peace, and in favour of two-state solution.”

Ireland’s deputy premier Michel Martin said: “In respect of minister Katz’s contribution and statement, part of that statement does say that the route is to direct negotiations. I’d agree with that aspect of the statement.

“We do need negotiations. Recognition of a Palestinian state creates that equal status in terms of Palestinians going to that table.

“But I’d also remind foreign minister Katz that there had been negotiations prior to this war, in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh.

“Firm agreements were reached but they were not implemented and those were in respect of the settlements, for example, and the violent settlers in the West Bank and there was an agreement that that would cease.

“There was an urgent need to get back to the negotiating table and to get on to a political track and the recognition of a Palestinian state is part of the Arab Peace Initiative.”

Ireland’s ambassador to Israel Sonya McGuinness said the decision to recognise a Palestinian state is to allow a future where Israelis and Palestinians to “live in security and dignity”.

In an opinion piece published in Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, Ms McGuinness said there can be “no sustainable solution to the current crisis” without a clear, irreversible political pathway towards this solution.

“I recognise that in the current context, and to many Israeli ears, this sounds at best, naive, and at worst, destructive and dangerous. It is neither,” she added.

“Recognition of a Palestinian state is not a reward for terror – it is the opposite.

“It is an endorsement of a vision of Palestinian self-determination in which a free and independent Palestine accepts both the rights and the duties of a state, including full adherence to the UN Charter and pursuit of its aims through exclusively political and diplomatic means.”

Irish premier’s full speech on recognising the state of Palestine

Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA
Wed, 22 May 2024 

Irish premier Simon Harris announced on Wednesday that Ireland is recognising the state of Palestine in a joint move with Norway and Spain.

The move will take effect formally on May 28.

Here is the Taoiseach’s speech given at Government Buildings in Dublin.

Mr Harris said: “Last month, I stood on these same steps with Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain when we agreed that the point of recognising the State of Palestine was coming closer. That point has now arrived.

“Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we are recognising the State of Palestine. Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision.

“In the lead up to today’s announcement, I have spoken to a number of other leaders, and I am confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks. This is an historic and an important day for Ireland and for Palestine.

“On the 21st of January 1919, Ireland asked the world to recognise our right to be an independent state.

“Our ‘Message to the Free Nations of the World’ was a plea for international recognition of our independence, emphasising our distinct national identity, our historical struggle, and our right to self-determination and justice.

“Today we use the same language to support the recognition of Palestine as a State.

“We do so because we ‘believe in freedom and justice as the fundamental principles of international law’, and because we believe that ‘permanent peace’ can only be secured ‘upon the basis of the free will of a free people’.

“Taking our place on the world stage – and being recognised by others as having the right to be there – was a matter of the highest importance for the founders of our State. From our history, we know what it means.

“Recognition is an act of powerful political and symbolic value. It is an expression of our view that Palestine holds and should be able to vindicate the full rights of a state – including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security – as well as recognising Palestine’s own obligations under international law.

“It is a message to those in Palestine who advocate and work for a future of peace and democracy, that we fully respect your aspirations to be living freely, in control of your own affairs and under your own leadership.

“On 10 May, 143 out of 193 UN Member States – 80% of those present and voting – voted to determine that the State of Palestine is qualified for membership in the United Nations in accordance with the Charter of the UN.

“Our step today, taken with Norway and Spain, is further recognition of the legitimate right to statehood. It is a statement of unequivocal support for a two-State solution – the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, for Palestine and for their peoples. We have previously said that recognition is a step that we would ideally have taken as part of a process towards that goal.

“However, we are three decades after the Oslo process and perhaps further than ever from a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace settlement. Our decision to recognise Palestine should not have to wait indefinitely, especially when it is the right thing to do.

Taoiseach Simon Harris speaking at Government Buildings (Damien Storan/PA)

“It is a decision being taken on its merits. But we cannot ignore the fact that we are taking it as Palestinians in Gaza are enduring the most appalling suffering, hardship and starvation.

“A humanitarian catastrophe, unimaginable to most of us and unconscionable to all, is unfolding in real time. Can anyone justify children going to sleep at night not knowing if they will wake up?

“Today we are taking a significant political step. There will be reaction and interpretations of its implications but let us not lose sight of this fundamental truth: Children are innocent. The children of Israel. The children of Palestine. They deserve peace.

“It is long past time for a ceasefire, for the unconditional release of hostages and for unhindered access for humanitarian aid. There should be no further military incursion into Rafah. There should be no more Hamas or Hezbollah rockets fired at Israel. Civilians, on all sides, must be protected under International Humanitarian Law. Violence and hatred can only ever be a dead end. The only pathway to peace is political.



“The people of Palestine deserve a future filled with hope, a future defined by success instead of suffering. A future at peace. The people of Israel deserve the exact same thing. To the people of Israel, I say today: Ireland is resolute and unequivocal in fully recognising the State of Israel and Israel’s right to exist securely and in peace with its neighbours.

“Let me be clear that Ireland condemns the barbaric massacre carried out by Hamas on October 7th last. Civilians attacked and murdered. Hostages taken in the most brutal and terrifying of circumstances, including a young Israeli-Irish child.

“We call again for all hostages to be immediately returned to the arms of their loved ones.

“Let me also be clear that Hamas is not the Palestinian people.

“Today’s decision to recognise Palestine is taken to help create a peaceful future.

“A two-state solution is the only way out of the generational cycles of violence, retaliation and resentment, where so many wrongs can never make a right.

“Just as Ireland’s recognition as a state eventually led to the establishment of our peaceful Republic, we believe that Palestinian statehood will contribute to peace and to reconciliation in the Middle East.

“A peace that honours the legitimate aspirations of all people in the region to live with respect, justice, security and dignity, free from violence or the threat of violence.

“Today, moving in lockstep with our European colleagues, we seek to be bearers of hope. We want to reaffirm our belief that peace is possible, that justice is achievable, and that the recognition of both States – Palestine and Israel – is the cornerstone upon which that peace must be built.

“So today, we are saying that we recognise the state of Israel and its right to exist in peace and security within internationally agreed borders. We equally recognise the state of Palestine and its right to exist in peace and security within internationally agreed borders.

“Recognising the statehood of Palestine sends a message that there is a viable alternative to the nihilism of Hamas. Hamas has nothing to offer but pain and suffering to Israelis and Palestinians alike. There is also no future in the extremist version of Zionism that fuels settler violence and illegal appropriation of land in the West Bank.

“I would like to thank our international partners, in Norway and Spain and in other like-minded countries, for their close and continued co-operation. I thank the Tanaiste for his continued work on this matter.

“I look forward to continuing to work with them on our shared objective of delivering long overdue peace and prosperity to the people of Israel and Palestine and the wider Middle East.

“Ireland will always stand with all those ready to walk a political pathway to peace and we will do everything in our power to help to bring it about. That is what today’s decision is about.

“We take it to offer hope and encouragement to the people of Palestine in one of their darkest hours.

“We in Ireland see you, we recognise you, we respect you.

“We will continue to work so that you and your children and your children’s children can have the better future you deserve and so that one day, Palestinian children and Israeli children can live side by side in peace and security.”

TRIFECTA

Ireland, Norway and Spain formally recognises Palestine as a state

Ireland and Norway announced on Wednesday that they were formally recognising Palestine as a state. "There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Spain is also expected to announce the recognition of a Palestinian state on Wednesday. Follow our liveblog for the latest developments in the war on Gaza.

Issued on: 22/05/2024 - 

People attend a demonstration in support of Gaza and Palestinians, organised by the Palestine Committee, near the Royal Palace and the building of the Norwegian parliament, Stortinget, in Oslo, Norway, November 4, 2023. © Heiko Junge/NTB, via REUTERS

European states to move on Palestine recognition as Gaza war rages

Rafah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – At least three European countries were expected to announce steps towards recognising a Palestinian state on Wednesday, after more than seven months of devastating fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Issued on: 22/05/2024 

A pro-Palestinian demonstrator runs with a Palestinian flag during a rally in New York earlier this week 

© John Lamparski / AFP

Irish media reported that the government was expected to announce its formal recognition of a Palestinian state at a press conference by premier Simon Harris, deputy premier Micheal Martin and minister Eamon Ryan at 0700 GMT.

Norway was expected to make a similar announcement around the same time, according to two Norwegian newspapers.

And in Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was scheduled to address parliament about setting a date for recognising a Palestinian state.

Sanchez said in March that Spain and Ireland, along with Slovenia and Malta, had agreed to take their first steps towards Palestinian recognition, seeing a two-state solution as essential for lasting peace.

Israel's foreign ministry posted a video addressed to Ireland on X on Tuesday warning that "recognising a Palestinian state risks turning you into a pawn in the hands of Iran and Hamas".

And Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli previously accused Sanchez's government of believing "that the Palestinians should be rewarded for the massacre" perpetrated by Hamas and its allies in southern Israel on October 7.

Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Militants also took 252 hostages, 124 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,647 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

A woman looks out of the window of a bomb-damaged building in Gaza City

 © - / AFP

Fighting has raged around the far southern city of Rafah, the last part of Gaza to face a ground invasion -- but a resumption of fighting has also been reported in the northern Jabalia area, where Hamas forces have regrouped.

An AFP team in Rafah reported air and artillery strikes in and around the city early Wednesday.

'Running out of words'

Israeli troops began their ground assault on parts of Rafah early this month, defying international opposition including from top ally the United States, which voiced fears for the more than one million civilians trapped in the city.

Israel has ordered mass evacuations from the city, where it has vowed to eliminate Hamas's tunnel network and its remaining fighters.

Displaced Palestinian children carry containers with food in the south Gaza city of Rafah, where a long-feared Israeli incursion is under way 

© - / AFP

The UN says more than 800,000 people have fled Rafah, with Edem Wosornu of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs saying most of the displaced had gone to camps in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah where "they lack adequate latrines, water points, drainage and shelter".

The World Health Organization has said northern Gaza's last two functioning hospitals, Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan, were besieged by Israeli forces, with more than 200 patients trapped inside.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, on Tuesday said aid distribution had been suspended in Rafah "due to lack of supplies and insecurity".
Warrant request

Starvation was among the allegations made against Israel by International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan when he announced on Monday that he had applied for arrest warrants for leaders on both sides, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In an interview with CNN, the prime minister described Khan as a "rogue prosecutor who has put false charges", adding that "he didn't check the facts".

A Palestinian family flees with their belongings in the northern Gaza Strip 

© - / AFP

The warrant request also targeted Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas's Qatar-based leader Ismail Haniyeh and its Gaza military and political chiefs, Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar.

US President Joe Biden has backed Netanyahu in condemning the warrant request as "outrageous".

If granted by the ICC judges, the warrants would mean that any of the 124 ICC member states would be required to arrest Netanyahu and the others if they travelled there.

However, the court has no mechanism to enforce its orders.
Broadcast ban walked back

Israel on Tuesday shut down an Associated Press live video feed from war-torn Gaza and confiscated its equipment, before reversing the move hours later after the White House intervened.

The US news agency said Israel had accused it of violating a ban on Al Jazeera, which was ordered shut two weeks ago based on a new Israeli law governing foreign broadcasters.

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi later announced he had issued an order to cancel the ban and return the equipment.

AP said that while it was "pleased with this development, we remain concerned about the Israeli government's use of the foreign broadcaster law and the ability of independent journalists to operate freely in Israel".

A woman salvages refuse from a fast expanding dump alongside a displaced persons' camp in central Gaza 

© - / AFP

Israeli forces, meanwhile, were also engaged in deadly clashes in the other major Palestinian territory, the occupied West Bank.

At least eight Palestinians were killed in the northern city of Jenin, the Ramallah-based health ministry said, as the army said it was "fighting armed men" in a "counterterrorism operation".

Palestinian official news agency Wafa said a hospital surgeon, a schoolteacher and a student were among those killed in Jenin, a stronghold of Palestinian militant groups.

burs-gl-smw/kir

Norway, Ireland and Spain say they are recognizing a Palestinian state, deepening Israel’s isolation

Norway, Ireland and Spain said they are recognizing a Palestinian state in a historic move that drew condemnation from Israel and jubilation from the Palestinians. Israel immediately ordered back its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland. It came after several European Union countries recently indicated they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.



Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris called it an “historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine,” saying the announcements had been coordinated and that other countries might join “in the weeks ahead.”

The international community has long viewed the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel as the only realistic way to resolve the conflict, and in past weeks several European Union countries have indicated they plan to recognize a Palestinian state to further those efforts.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who announced his country’s decision before parliament, has spent months touring European and Middle Eastern countries to garner support for recognition, as well as for a possible cease-fire in Gaza.

“This recognition is not against anyone, it is not against the Israeli people,” Sánchez said. “It is an act in favor of peace, justice and moral consistency.” He said it was clear that Netanyahu “does not have a project for peace,” while acknowledging that “the fight against the terrorist group Hamas is legitimate.”

Israel’s government harshly condemned the decision taken by the three countries. Foreign Minister Israel Katz recalled Israel’s ambassadors and summoned the three countries’ envoys in Israel. He said they would watch grisly video footage of the Oct. 7 attack.

“History will remember that Spain, Norway, and Ireland decided to award a gold medal to Hamas murderers and rapists,” he said. He also said the announcement would undermine talks aimed at a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza that came to a standstill earlier this month.

President Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, welcomed the moves toward recognition, saying they would contribute to efforts to bring about a two-state solution.

Hamas also welcomed the decisions and called on other nations to “recognize our legitimate rights and support the struggle of our people for liberation and independence, and ending the Zionist occupation of our land.”

Hamas, which Western countries and Israel view as a terrorist group, does not recognize Israel’s existence but has indicated it might agree to a state on the 1967 lines, at least on an interim basis.

European countries are recognizing a Palestinian state

While dozens of countries have recognized a Palestinian state, none of the major Western powers has done so. The decisions from Norway, Ireland and Spain may generate momentum.

The recognitions mark a significant accomplishment for the Palestinians, who believe it confers international legitimacy on their struggle, especially amid international outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Here’s more on how and why the new European announcements could be important.

The announcements are unlikely to have any impact on the ground. Israel annexed east Jerusalem and considers it part of its capital, and in the occupied West Bank it has build scores of Jewish settlements that are now home to over 500,000 Israelis. The settlers have Israeli citizenship, while the 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank live under seemingly open-ended Israeli military rule.

In Gaza, the war is still raging, and Netanyahu has said Israel will maintain open-ended security control of the territory even after any defeat of Hamas.

Hugh Lovatt, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said “recognition is a tangible step towards a viable political track leading to Palestinian self-determination.”

But in order for it to have an impact, he said, it must come with “tangible steps to counter Israel’s annexation and settlement of Palestinian territory – such as banning settlement products and financial services.”
___

Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain, and Krauss from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark and Jill Lawless in London contributed to this story.

Spain, Ireland and Norway will recognize a Palestinian state on May 28. Why does that matter?


- A boy waves a Palestinian flag as demonstrators march during a protest in support of Palestinians and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in Barcelona, Spain, on Jan. 20, 2024. European Union countries Spain and Ireland as well as Norway on Wednesday announced dates for recognizing Palestine as a state. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

 People gather in support of the Palestinain people, amid the conflict with Israel, in front of the parliament building in Oslo, Norway, on May 19, 2021. European Union countries Spain and Ireland as well as Norway on Wednesday announced dates for recognizing Palestine as a state. (Berit Roald/NTB via AP, File)

The three Irish Government leaders from left, Minister Eamon Ryan, Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin speak to the media during a press conference outside the Government Buildings, in Dublin, Ireland, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. European Union countries Spain and Ireland as well as Norway on Wednesday announced dates for recognizing Palestine as a state.(Damien Storan/PA via AP)

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks in the Spanish Parliament in Madrid, May 22, 2024. European Union countries Spain and Ireland as well as Norway announced Wednesday May 22, 2024 their recognition of a Palestinian state. Malta and Slovenia, which also belong to the 27-nation European Union, may follow suit amid international outrage over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s offensive. (Eduardo Parra/Europa Press via AP)

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 22, 2024

Spain, Ireland and Norway said Wednesday that they would recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, a step toward a long-held Palestinian aspiration that came amid international outrage over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s offensive.

The almost simultaneous decisions by two European Union countries, and Norway, may generate momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state by other EU countries and could spur further steps at the United Nations, deepening Israel’s isolation. Malta and Slovenia, which also belong to the 27-nation European Union, may follow suit.

Some 140 of 190 represented in the U.N. countries have already recognized a Palestinian state.

Here’s a look at how and why the new European announcements could be important:

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

The 1948 U.N. decision that created Israel envisaged a neighboring Palestinian state, but some 70 years later control of the Palestinian territories remains divided and bids for U.N. membership have been denied.

The United States, Britain and other Western countries have backed the idea of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel as a solution to the Middle East’s most intractable conflict, but they insist Palestinian statehood should come as part of a negotiated settlement. There have been no substantive negotiations since 2009.



Norway, Ireland and Spain say they are recognizing a Palestinian state in a historic move

Though the EU countries and Norway won’t be recognizing an existing state, just the possibility of one, the symbolism helps enhance the Palestinians’ international standing and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war.


Also, the move lends additional prominence to the Middle East issue ahead of June 6-9 elections to the European Parliament, when some 370 million people are eligible to vote and a steep rise of the extreme right is on the cards.
WHY NOW?

Diplomatic pressure on Israel has grown as the battle with Hamas stretches into its eighth month. The U.N. General Assembly voted by a significant margin on May 11 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine in a sign of growing international support for a vote on full voting membership. The Palestine Authority currently has observer status.

The leaders of Spain, Ireland, Malta and Slovenia said in March they were considering recognizing a Palestinian state as “a positive contribution” toward ending the war.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Wednesday, “This recognition is not against anyone, it is not against the Israeli people,” he said. “It is an act in favor of peace, justice and moral consistency.”

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF RECOGNITION?

While dozens of countries have recognized Palestine, none of the major Western powers has done so, and it is unclear how much of a difference the move by the three countries might make.

Even so, their recognition would mark a significant accomplishment for the Palestinians, who believe it confers international legitimacy on their struggle.

Little would likely change on the ground in the short term. Peace talks are stalled, and Israel’s hardline government has dug its heels in against Palestinian statehood.

WHAT IS ISRAEL’S RESPONSE?

Israel reacted rapidly Wednesday by recalling its ambassadors to Ireland, Norway and Spain.

The Israeli government slams talk of Palestinian independence as a “reward” for the Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of over 250 others. It rejects any move to legitimize the Palestinians internationally.

Steps like the ones by the three European countries Wednesday will harden the Palestinian position and undermine the negotiating process, Israel says, insisting that all issues should be solved through negotiations.

Israel often responds to foreign countries’ decisions deemed as going against its interests by summoning those countries’ ambassadors and also punishing the Palestinians through measures such as freezing tax transfers to the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority.

WHO RECOGNIZES PALESTINE AS A STATE?

Some 140 countries have already recognized Palestine, more than two-thirds of the United Nations’ membership.

Some major powers have indicated their stance may be evolving amid the outcry over the consequences of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between noncombatants and fighters in its count.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said no recognition of Palestine could come while Hamas remains in Gaza, but that it could happen while Israeli negotiations with Palestinian leaders were in progress.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in February it’s not “taboo” for France to recognize a Palestinian state.

Which countries recognise Palestine as an independent state?

Jabed Ahmed
Wed, 22 May 2024 

Ireland, Spain and Norway have announced they will officially recognise Palestine as an independent state.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said this coordinated move by the three countries was a “historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine.”

The move was intended to help move the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to resolution through a two-state solution, he added.

In 1988, the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the main representative of the Palestinians, first declared the establishment of the State of Palestine. In practice, the Palestinians have limited self-government through the Palestinian Authority (PA) in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The PA lost control of the Gaza Strip to Hamas in 2007. The UN considers both territories as occupied by Israel and comprising a single political entity. Palestinians also want East Jerusalem as part of a future state.

The UK does not formally recognise the state of Palestine, though the foreign secretary, David Cameron, has previously suggested Britain is ready to give it official, diplomatic recognition.

Currently, 143 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise the state of Palestine. Palestine has been a non-member observer state of the United Nations General Assembly since November 2012. Earlier this month, the United Nations General Assembly granted Palestine additional rights, including being seated with member states, the right to introduce proposals and participate in committees. It still does not have the right to vote.

In the EU, Sweden is the only country so far to have recognized Palestine while being a member. Seven EU countries took the step before joining the Union:

Bulgaria


Cyprus


Czech Republic


Hungary


Romania


Poland


Slovakia

A number of other European Union members, including Slovenia and Malta, have indicated their intention to recognise the state of Palestine.

The EU itself and big countries such as Germany and France have “representative offices” (instead of embassies) in Ramallah and support the Palestinian authority financially. In February, President Emmanuel Macron said recognising a Palestinian state was “not a taboo for France,” adding “we owe it to the Palestinians whose aspirations have been trampled for too long.”

Among the G20, a group of world’s major economies, ten countries recognised the state of Palestine. These are:

Argentina


Brazil


China


India


Indonesia


Mexico


Russia


Saudi Arabia


South Africa


Turkey

Nine countries in the G20, including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea do not.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz ordered Israel’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to immediately return to Israel in response – and said he would also do the same for Spain.

“Ireland and Norway intend to send a message today to the Palestinians and the whole world: terrorism pays,” Mr Katz said.

The recognition could impede efforts to return Israel’s hostages being held in Gaza and makes a cease-fire less likely by “rewarding the jihadists of Hamas and Iran,” he added.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Norway’s recognition of a Palestinian state and called on other countries to follow their example. In a statement carried by the official Wafa news agency, Mr Abbas said Norway’s decision will enshrine “the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination” and support efforts to bring about a two-state solution with Israel.