A “glimmer of light” shone today when the British Prime Minister formally announced the UK Government’s recognition of “the state of Palestine”, an island community group said today.

Glenn Fubler, of Imagine Bermuda, said that the move provided an added incentive for residents to drive their vehicles with the lights on tomorrow in a show of solidarity.

Representing a group of community leaders who came together last week to reflect on violence in Bermuda and worldwide, he said this afternoon: “The UK is today joining Canada and Australia, which are, at last, linking with more than 150 nations in conferring a status on the people of Palestine which speaks to their fundamental human rights.

“This offers added incentive for all local residents to let their light shine tomorrow, by driving vehicles and bikes with lights on, thereby affirming that every life is precious.”

Mr Fubler said: “In shining their lights, islanders will be applauding this step made by the Starmer government on the one hand, and offering the reminder that given our common concern for the lives of all, the Labour ‘regime’ has the critical responsibility to end any military support for what the UN International Independent Commission confirmed on September 16 is genocide in Gaza.

“Please also be reminded that driving with lights on is also focused on the local cycle of violence, which will be best addressed as we come together collaborating in solidarity.”

Mr Starmer said that Britain’s formal recognition of Palestine as a state was part of efforts “to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution”.

He insisted that the goal was not “a reward for Hamas, because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, no role in security”.

Meanwhile, residents in Bermuda were also invited to attend, however briefly, a reflective lunchtime gathering at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Dundonald Street from 12.30pm to 1.30pm tomorrow.

Mr Fubler said that speakers were expected to include Pastor Donnamae Postlewait, Jason Hayward, the area MP, the Reverend Carl Williams, chairman of the Anglican Racial Justice Committee, and Leo Mills, a representative of Wesley Methodist Church.