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 international law, human rights and Palestinian self-determination.

In this session, Andrew Whitley discusses:

• The deteriorating situation facing Palestinians in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

• The threat posed by annexation, settlement expansion and efforts to make a Palestinian state unviable.

• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the international response to it.

• The Britain Palestine Project's approach of combining history, education and advocacy to promote informed public engagement.

• The launch of the Britain Palestine Project's Statement of Principles and its relevance to UK policy.

• The importance of applying international law consistently across conflicts and regions.

• The significance of the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on the occupation of Palestine.

• Calls for greater transparency and action from the British government regarding its legal obligations under international law.

Whitley urges participants not only to deepen their understanding of the issues discussed throughout the conference, but also to use their own networks, communities and elected representatives to press for meaningful political action.

The address also introduces the conference programme and highlights the contributions of leading historians, diplomats, academics, journalists and advocates who would speak throughout the day.

Recorded at the Britain Palestine Project annual conference, Recognition is the Beginning, held at the Greenwood Theatre, London, on 2 June 2026.

Andrew Whitley is Chair of the Britain Palestine Project and a former senior United Nations official with extensive experience across the Middle East. He previously served as Director of the Representative Office of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in New York and has worked for decades on issues relating to Palestinian rights, humanitarian affairs, diplomacy and international development. Through his leadership of the Britain Palestine Project, he advocates for informed public debate, accountability and a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike.