BRITAIN'S failure to recognise Palestine as a state would contribute to Israel's "crusade" to a one-state solution enforced by apartheid-style rule, MPs were told.

Labour's Grahame Morris backed the "small but symbolically important" step of recognising Palestinian statehood, insisting it was the only way forward in attempts to secure a peace deal based on a two-state solution.

The Easington MP warned relations between Israelis and Palestinians, plus Britain's foreign policy, were "stuck at an impasse" which needed to be broken and encouragement given to those wanting to pursue a peaceful resolution.

The Commons debate on his motion encouraging the Government to recognise Palestine as a state follows the collapse of peace talks between Israel and Palestine and a summer conflict in Gaza which claimed the lives of more than 2,100 Palestinians, mostly civilians, as well as 70 Israelis, all but six soldiers.

Mr Morris said he would support Labour former foreign secretary Jack Straw's amendment to recognise Palestine as a state as a "contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution". An amendment tabled by Conservative Guto Bebb (Aberconwy) calling for Palestine to be recognised once peace negotiations have successfully concluded was not selected by Speaker John Bercow.

Mr Morris told the Commons the "systematic denial of rights" incites violence.