Ms Jenny Derbyshire:

What I was going to say, and I am sure the Chairman has heard the same, is that it is very important to the Palestinians to have international recognition. As Ms Minch in particular has said, the issue is inequality. We have recognised the state of Israel so we should recognise the state of Palestine. It is then to some extent up to them to move on from there.

There were two points in respect of the Palestinian Authority. The Israeli group, Breaking the Silence, met the committee in the summer. Am I correct?

I was once on a tour given by Breaking the Silence, and the ex-soldier leading the tour stated he felt the Palestinian Authority is not given enough credence for what it is doing to hold the line with regard to non-violence. It has managed to keep a lid on a very difficult situation and he felt it should at least be given recognition for this. It has also established institutions. I know there is much wrong, but it has made great progress. There has been a loss of faith in it. When I was there I heard more people speak about a one-state solution, but what undermines this is the declaration of a Jewish state and what is going through the Knesset at present which has led to the downfall of the government. Recognition of the state of Palestine is important in terms of equality and for it to move forward from there.