Support for Palestinians “the length and breadth of this country” – Carmichael hosts Eid event in Parliament

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has said that there is support for the Palestinian people “the length and breadth of this country”, after hosting the Ambassador of Palestine, Husam Zomlot in Parliament. Mr Carmichael welcomed guests to the Eid reception last Monday (23rd March), while recognising both the great challenges facing Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and noting the ongoing vigils for Gaza held in the Northern Isles.

Mr Carmichael is Chair of the Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu), which hosted the reception jointly with Action For Humanity – the first such event held in Parliament since the United Kingdom recognised the State of Palestine.

Speaking at the event, Mr Carmichael said:

“It is a difficult time for anybody who has an interest and cares about what is going on in the Middle East at the moment. It is important to hold on to the basics, and the understanding that there will be no peace and no justice without adherence to international law and the institutions that are rooted in it.

“I am delighted that we welcome the Ambassador to Parliament this evening, this time as a fully-fledged Ambassador. Your people have been through exceptionally difficult times for the last few years, but I think the fact that you see so many different shades of opinion represented in the room tonight should tell you that there is support to be had in every corner of this country for your people.

“I was in my own constituency with three dozen people standing at St Magnus Cathedral, demonstrating their support for the Palestinian cause. The length and breadth of this country, there is support for your people and they are not forgotten, however many other distractions there may be.”

The Palestinian Ambassador, Husam Zomlot said:

“Thank you very much, my dear friend and brother Alistair, for your very kind words. Alistair, I have met you many, many years ago. I have to attest to your very principled, long-held, unwavering, rock-solid support for Palestine.

“Eid for us is really a time of gathering, of joy, but for Palestinians it comes once again under the shadow of grief, of suffering and uncertainty. For families in Gaza, there is no home in which to celebrate. For Palestinians in the West Bank, daily life remained shaped by occupation, colonisation, violence, terrorism, dispossession and fear.

“You cannot be half committed when it comes to illegality. You are either committed to law or you are not. This country has recognised the State of Palestine, but that was the first step, not the last.”