Commons Speaker denies planning to fly Palestinian flag at Parliament
Sir Lindsay Hoyle planned to meet with the head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK and fly the Palestinian flag at Parliament have been refuted. An email sent to MPs stating that Husam Zomlot and the Commons Speaker were to meet led to a disagreement.
In an office statement, Sir Lindsay made it clear that he does not intend to meet with the Palestinian official. Even though national flags are frequently flown in Parliament during foreign dignitaries’ visits, it’s crucial to remember that neither Mr. Zomlot nor Britain formally recognize Palestine as a state.
Erroneously distributed to lawmakers, the memo described Sir Lindsay’s forthcoming activities, which included a purported meeting with Mr. Zomlot and the raising of the Palestine flag in his honor.
Later, the Speaker’s Office made it clear that there was no planned meeting with the Palestinian ambassador and that the email had been sent in error. Given the UK’s non-recognition of the state of Palestine, the incident drew criticism and concerns regarding the controversial stance taken on the conflict.