Mike Freer last night resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Nick Boles MP, Minister for Skills, in order to oppose Labour’s parliamentary vote to recognise Palestine as an independent state.
Mike comments: “Whilst Ministers and PPSs are required to abstain on backbench business votes, as was the case last night, I felt compelled to vote against the motion. I immediately informed the Chief Whip of my intention to resign as PPS.
I could have simply abstained and obeyed the protocol, but in doing so I would be contradicting my long-standing campaign towards a negotiated two-state solution. Furthermore, I would be doing a disservice to the huge number of constituents who raised concerns over the vote.
I support a Palestinian state alongside Israel - the two state solution. Yesterday’s vote will only serve the aims of Hamas who would believe they can achieve their ambitions without negotiation. This is not in the interests of the Israeli and Palestinian people”.