Britain Palestine Project

H.E. Mr Manar Dabbas , Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Kingdom, reflects on developments since the UK's recognition of the State of Palestine and examines the wider regional implications of the ongoing conflict. Ambassador Dabbas discusses the humanitarian situation in Gaza, growing pressures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the importance of pursuing a just...

H.E. Dr Husam Zomlot , Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, reflects on the significance of UK recognition of the State of Palestine while arguing that recognition must be followed by meaningful action to uphold international law and Palestinian self-determination. Drawing on his recent visit to the occupied Palestinian territory, Ambassador Zomlot describes the realities facing Palestini...

Andrew Whitley sets out the urgent political and humanitarian context behind Recognition is the Beginning and challenges attendees to consider what practical action is now required from both government and civil society. Reflecting on developments in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Whitley argues that recognition of Palestinian statehood must be accompanied by concrete policies that uphold...

In the opening address of the Britain Palestine Project's annual conference, Professor Adam Sutcliffe reflects on the importance of public debate, informed discussion and meaningful action in response to the ongoing crisis in Palestine. Introducing the conference theme, Recognition is the Beginning , Professor Sutcliffe argues that recognition must extend beyond diplomacy to encompass a deeper...

with Andrew Whitley and Sir Vincent Fean On Nakba Day, Britain Palestine Project Chair Andrew Whitley and Trustee Sir Vincent Fean return for the second episode of The Situation Report - an unscripted conversation examining the rapidly changing realities in Palestine/Israel and Britain’s response to them. Recorded against the backdrop of Nakba Day, this episode explores the deepening crisis in the...

From the Nakba to Camp David is the “sequel” to our short film Britain in Palestine, continuing the story through the defining decades that shaped the conflict we see today. Drawing on archival footage and historical testimony, the film traces the period from the Nakba of 1948 through to the Camp David Accords — exploring displacement, war, diplomacy, and the political decisions that continue to r...

How did a state founded in the shadow of catastrophe arrive at this moment of profound crisis? In this urgent and deeply reflective conversation, historian and genocide scholar Professor Omer Bartov joins the Britain Palestine Project to examine the political, moral, and historical trajectory of Israel from its founding to the present day. Drawing on decades of research into nationalism, war, memo...

With Dr. Asma Sharabati, Deputy Mayor of Hebron What does daily life look like in one of the most contested and tightly controlled cities in the West Bank? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we’re joined by Dr. Asma Sharabati , Deputy Mayor of Hebron, who offers a rare, ground-level perspective on governing a city under extraordinary pressure. Drawing on her experience in municipal lead...

What drives a society to justify violence in its own name? Following a screening of Planet Israel: A Cautionary Tale, director Gillian Mosely joins the Britain Palestine Project for a powerful and thought-provoking Q&A.Drawing on psychology, history, and lived experience, Planet Israel explores how trauma, identity, and political narratives shape Israeli society—and how these forces contribute...

After decades of failed negotiations and a rapidly shifting reality on the ground, is it time to rethink the framework for peace? In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Yossi Mekelberg (Chatham House, University of Roehampton) to explore the idea of an Israeli–Palestinian confederation — a model that seeks to reconcile the increasingly entrenched one-state reality with the enduring need for tw...

What does recognition actually mean - and what does it change ? In this special live episode recorded at Manchester Punk Festival, Diana Safieh is joined by international law expert Dr Emma Luce Scali (University of Manchester, UN consultant) to unpack one of the biggest political headlines of the year: Britain’s recognition of the State of Palestine. But beyond the announcement - what does recogn...

with Stav Salpeter (Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement) What does it take to leave Gaza for life-saving medical treatment - and why is it so often impossible? Diana Safieh is joined by Stav Salpeter, Director of International Relations at Gisha, an Israeli human rights organisation working to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. Drawing on legal cases, o...

What is happening to Christian communities in the Holy Land-and why is their presence rapidly declining? Diana Safieh is joined by activist and researcher Miranda Pinch , fresh from a recent visit to the West Bank. Drawing on decades of engagement with Palestine, Miranda offers a first-hand account of the realities facing Palestinian Christians today-challenging common narratives and exposing the...

In this new spin-off series, Chair Andrew Whitley and Trustee Sir Vincent Fean sit down for a candid, unscripted conversation on the latest developments shaping Palestine, Israel and Britain’s role in the region. Recorded every two months, each episode focuses on the most pressing issues of the moment - from diplomatic shifts and legal developments to UK policy decisions and global political trend...

Professor Peter Beinart joins the Britain Palestine Project to discuss his latest book, Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza (Knopf, 2025), and to reflect on what this moment demands morally, politically and spiritually. Beinart describes Gaza not only as a humanitarian catastrophe, but as a moral and theological crisis for Jewish communities worldwide. A central theme of the conversation is...

In this episode of the Britain Palestine Project Podcast , host Diana Safieh is joined by Rabbi Dr Dana Sharon and Anton Goodman from Rabbis for Human Rights , an Israeli NGO grounded in Jewish ethical and religious values. The conversation explores how faith-based activism is being used to confront and resist extremist settler violence , forced displacement, and systemic human rights abuses faced...

Britain Palestine Project reflects on the political, legal and humanitarian developments of 2025 and looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities shaping 2026. Chair Andrew Whitley, Trustee Sir Vincent Fean, and Executive Director Dr Brian Brivati explore what recent moves towards recognition of Palestinian statehood have - and have not - delivered on the ground. Drawing on decades of experienc...

Speaker: Susie Becher , Communications Director, Policy Working Group (PWG) * Hosted by the Britain Palestine Project In this wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation, Susie Becher — Communications Director of the Policy Working Group (PWG), founding member of All Its Citizens , managing editor of the Palestine-Israel Journal , longtime activist, and former US Embassy analyst — explores the...

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Humza Yousaf , former First Minister of Scotland and long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, joins host Diana Safieh for an honest, urgent and deeply personal discussion about the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine, what must come next, and how Britain can no longer look away from its historic and present responsibilities. Humza reflects o...

Recorded at the Beyond Borders International Festival in Scotland, this episode of Palestine Matters explores whether diplomacy can still make a difference in an age of realpolitik, wars, and international law in crisis. Host: Brian Brivati Guests: Afif Safieh – Veteran Palestinian diplomat and former ambassador, who played a central role in the transition from armed struggle to dialogue within th...

Recorded live at the Beyond Borders International Festival in Scotland, this episode of Palestine Matters explores the historic role of Britain in shaping the Israel–Palestine conflict -  and what responsibility Britain carries today. Host: Diana Safieh, Britain Palestine Project Guests: Sir Vincent Fean – Former British Consul-General in Jerusalem (2010–2014), former Ambassador to Libya, and BPP...

Brian Klug is Hon Fellow in Social Philosophy, Campion Hall, University of Oxford. He has published and lectured extensively on antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism in general, and is one of the authors of the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (2021). Earlier this year he took part in a Roundtable in Granada which drafted the document ‘Combating Islamophobia and Antisemitism: A Declaration of...

On Monday 22 September , Britain Palestine Project trustee Sir Vincent Fean joined Trevor Phillips on Times Radio’s The Times at One to discuss the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine. Sir Vincent stressed that recognition cannot be a symbolic gesture alone – it must be backed by decisive measures grounded in international law . He highlighted Britain’s historic responsibilities and the urg...

Recorded at the Beyond Borders International Festival in Scotland , this episode tackles one of the most pressing questions in UK and international politics: Why does recognition of the State of Palestine matter—now, in 2025? Host Diana Safieh is joined by two leading voices: Humza Yousaf , former First Minister of Scotland and the first Muslim to hold the role. A lifelong advocate for justice in...

Recorded at the Beyond Borders International Festival in Scotland , this episode of Palestine Matters turns to the heart of the conflict: Jerusalem . Our guests both bring deeply personal and professional perspectives on the city: Sir Vincent Fean , former British Consul-General in Jerusalem (2010–2014) Emma Gilmour (formerly Emma Williams), author of It’s Easier to Reach Heaven than the End of th...