Over 220 British lawmakers, including members of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, are calling on the UK government to officially recognise Palestine as an independent state. Their demand follows a rising global shift and comes just a day after French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s intent to do so at a UN conference in September.
Mounting Pressure on Starmer
The letter, signed by MPs across nine different UK political parties, has added further weight on Keir Starmer’s government. The lawmakers are urging the UK to make a clear statement of support at the upcoming UN conference in New York on July 28–29. They argue that despite Britain’s limited power to enforce statehood, recognition from the UK would send a strong diplomatic signal.
“Whilst we appreciate the UK does not have it in its power to bring about a free and independent Palestine, UK recognition would have a significant impact,” the letter stated.
Historic Responsibility and Global Momentum
The MPs also cited Britain’s historic role in the region, referencing the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which supported the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. They argue that now is the time to balance history by backing a Palestinian state.
“Since 1980 we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people,” they wrote.
France’s move, if followed through, would make it the first major Western power to officially recognise Palestine. This has sparked reactions from Israel and the United States, with Trump brushing off Macron’s announcement, saying it “doesn’t carry weight.”
Starmer’s Careful Position
Despite growing calls both at home and abroad, the UK government has so far maintained that now is not the right time for formal recognition. Starmer has publicly reiterated his support for a two-state solution, but said that recognition must come as part of a broader peace strategy.
“Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan,” Starmer said in a statement on Friday.
There are reports that internal discussions are ongoing, with nearly 60 Labour MPs already urging Foreign Secretary David Lammy to take action. Macron also reportedly raised the issue during his UK state visit earlier this month.
Bottom Line
The push by UK lawmakers for Palestinian state recognition signals a growing shift in international opinion. As France prepares to take a bold diplomatic step, pressure is mounting on the UK government to respond with a clear stance. Whether Starmer chooses to act now or later may shape Britain’s future role in the Middle East peace process. For many of the lawmakers, the call is not just political, it’s about fulfilling a responsibility rooted in history.
