UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – Although the British parliament is voting Monday night on whether or not to recognize a Palestinian state, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron has indicated that he is not participating in the symbolic vote.

The British parliamentary motion on the vote states that “this House believes that the Government should recognize the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel.” With Cameron not participating, the U.K. government is also asking other ministers to abstain.

The vote is non-binding. No matter how many of the 650 House of Commons Members of Parliament vote in favor of the recognition, it will not affect U.K. foreign policy on the issue.

“I’ve been pretty clear about the government’s position and it won’t be changing,” said a spokesman for Cameron, Reuters reported. “When you believe you have the right position… that is the one, I believe, that you take.”