Britain upgrades status of Palestinian diplomats

Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague says he will upgrade the status of Palestinian diplomats in London.

Hague told lawmakers on Monday that the Palestinian representation would be recognized as a full diplomatic mission. It had previously had the status of a delegation.

The change is largely symbolic, but follows Hague's calls for urgent progress on stalled talks on the Middle East peace process.

He said it would bring Britain into line with other European nations in how it treats Palestinian representatives.

Hague's ministry said it planned to inform other nations, including Israel, of the change following his statement to Parliament.

Under the change, members of the Palestinian mission will have a simplified visa regime.