The Palestinian flag was raised at the former Palestinian mission in Hammersmith, west London, on Monday, marking the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state. The event, which began over an hour late due to an influx of VIPs, saw dozens of MPs, around 60 ambassadors, and several public figures in attendance, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Scottish First Minister John Swinney.
Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot addressed the crowd, calling it a 'historic moment' and noting that the UK had finally taken a 'long overdue step' more than a century after the Balfour Declaration. He held up a plaque reading 'The embassy of the state of Palestine', which he said would be affixed to the building pending legal formalities.
Minister of State for the Middle East Hamish Falconer spoke of the need for a two-state solution, condemning violence on both sides and the expansion of settlements. His speech was interrupted by chants of 'Stop arming Israel' from the crowd. Falconer described the situation in Gaza as 'appalling', citing famine and restrictions on aid.
The flag, described by Zomlot as symbolising mourning, hope, land, and sacrifice, was raised to the Palestinian national anthem. Among the attendees was Palestinian-British chef Joudie Kalla, who expressed support for the recognition.
