British lawmakers have passed a resolution recognizing Palestine as a state. The resolution is nonbinding and will not change the British government’s official stance, which does not recognize Palestine. But Parliament member Jack Straw said the vote is symbolically important.

Jack Straw: “I believe that the fact of the Israelis’ intemperate reaction to the very prospect of this house passing this resolution is proof that this resolution will make a difference. The only thing the Israeli government, in my view, under its present demeanor of Bibi Netanyahu, understands is pressure, and what this house will be doing this evening will be to add to the pressure on the government of Israel.”

The resolution passed 274 to 12. It comes after Sweden’s new prime minister announced his government would recognize the state of Palestine, becoming the first major Western European country to do so.