MCWAS Statement on the UK Government’s Recognition of Palestine
The Muslim Cultural Welfare Association of Sutton (MCWAS) welcomes the UK Government’s recognition of the State of Palestine, a step long awaited by the international community. With this recognition, Britain now joins 150 other countries – the vast majority of the 193 UN member states – in affirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood. This aligns the UK with international law and the global consensus on the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people.
This recognition is a historic development. It acknowledges the enduring struggle of Palestinians to live in dignity, free from occupation, oppression, and systemic displacement. Yet, it comes at a time of profound crisis: civilians in Gaza continue to endure severe humanitarian hardship, while in the West Bank, communities face forced evictions, home demolitions, and increasing restrictions on movement and access to essential services. These ongoing realities underscore that recognition alone cannot address the immediate needs and suffering of millions.
MCWAS emphasises that recognition must be accompanied by meaningful and practical action to ensure justice, human rights, and accountability. We urge the UK Government to consider the following measures:
Upholding international law: Ensuring that UK policy does not support military, economic, or political activities that could perpetuate human rights violations.
Supporting accountability: Endorsing independent investigations into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, while promoting justice for victims of conflict.
Providing humanitarian aid: Partnering with international organisations to deliver urgent relief and protection for those affected by violence and displacement.
Advancing peace and dialogue: Supporting initiatives that lead to a just and lasting resolution, respecting the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people.
MCWAS also recognises the historical context: Britain’s involvement in Palestine, beginning with the 1917 Balfour Declaration and continuing through the Mandate period, played a significant role in shaping the current challenges. As such, this recognition also represents an opportunity for moral reflection and commitment to positive change.
Beyond governmental action, we encourage the UK public to:
Educate themselves about the history and current realities of the Palestinian struggle.
Support humanitarian initiatives and charitable organisations providing aid in Palestine.
Advocate for policies that respect human rights, justice, and equality.
As Muslims, we are guided by the principles of justice and fairness. Almighty God ﷻ commands:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
O you who believe, be persistently standing firm for Allah as witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just, for that is nearer to righteousness. Fear Allah, for verily, Allah is aware of what you do.
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:8)
MCWAS reaffirms its commitment to promoting justice, human rights, and awareness. We pray that the Almighty Lord ﷻ grants relief, protection, and dignity to the people of Palestine, and that those in positions of authority act with fairness and integrity to end oppression wherever it exists.
