- The Washington Times - Tuesday, October 14, 2014

U.K. lawmakers have voted in the House of Commons to recognize Palestine as a state in a largely symbolic measure that could have international implications.

The motion was backed overwhelmingly Monday by 274 votes to 12 — although less than half of the MPs participated in the vote, CNN reported.

The measure recognizes the state of Palestine “alongside the state of Israel, as a contribution to securing a negotiated two state solution.”

The motion, put forward by Labour MP Grahame Morris, is mainly symbolic and is not binding on the government, CNN reported. It does, however, add pressure to other European nations to call for Palestinian statehood.

Earlier this month, the new Social Democratic-led government in Sweden said it would recognize Palestine.

“A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and a will to coexist peacefully. Therefore, Sweden will recognize the State of Palestine,” said Prime Minister Stefan Lofven in his first statement of government policy, CNN reported.

In 2012, the UN General Assembly voted to upgrade Palestine to that of “non-member observer state,” similar to the Vatican. The U.K. and 40 other nations abstained from that vote.

• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.

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