Statement by Andrew Rosindell M.P.
Shadow Minister for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
I wholeheartedly welcome this week’s recognition of the independence of Somaliland by Israel. Only a year ago, I met Somaliland’s representative here in the UK, and the case couldn’t be clearer that Britain, as the former colonial power, must follow suit.
Somaliland already governs itself and stands as a role model for stability and responsible governance across the region, whether that’s the Horn of Africa or the Middle East. The Somalilanders have built for themselves a safe and prosperous society and have worked constructively with nations around the world to safeguard the flow of trade through the Red Sea, particularly in the face of Houthi terrorism and Somali piracy.
Yet those who loudly demand, on Britain’s streets and in the corridors of international politics, the recognition of a Palestinian state - one that is neither unified nor equipped with the basic infrastructure of self-government - have remained silent on Somaliland. Some from that same coalition are now attacking Israel for recognising the self-determination of a people who have governed themselves peacefully and effectively for decades.
The hypocrisy must stop, whether that’s denying the Chagossians self-determination of their homeland, or that of the Somalilanders, the United Kingdom must return to first principles and take a lead where we once led.
