Responding to Mr Hague's statement on 9 November 2011, shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander agreed that the case for Palestinian recognition at the UN was "strong" and that a "two-state solution brought about by negotiations" would be ideal.

BBC: UK to 'abstain' on Palestinian statehood bid

For example, when Gordon Brown, the shadow chancellor, could not immediately explain the details of Labour's plans for union recognition, voters were given a rare glimpse of Mr Brown, usually a master of policy, floundering.

ECONOMIST: The power of sleaze