Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting calls to formally recognise the state of Palestine, as a powerful cross-party letter backed by 221 MPs urges the prime minister to take decisive action.
The letter, coordinated by Labour MP Sarah Champion, chair of the International Development Committee, marks one of the strongest displays of parliamentary pressure on the issue in recent years.
In the letter, the MPs argue: “British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine.”
They point out that since 1980 the UK has publicly supported a two-state solution, adding that formal recognition would “give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people under that Mandate.”
This fresh appeal follows a private letter earlier in July, in which nearly 60 Labour MPs urged Foreign Secretary David Lammy to immediately recognise Palestine. The new, broader intervention underscores continued dissatisfaction with the government’s position.
Responding to growing pressure, Sir Keir issued a statement on Friday condemning the “unrelenting” humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling the scenes “appalling.”
Israeli authorities deny reports of a food shortage in Gaza, despite warnings from over 100 aid organisations about looming mass starvation. Israel insists it took control of aid delivery to prevent theft by Hamas, a claim Hamas and agencies such as USAID deny.
Starmer reiterated his support for a lasting regional peace, stating: “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 which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis.”
The pressure intensified following a statement from French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday night, announcing France would recognise a Palestinian state in September at a UN conference.
Some Labour MPs now say the UK government’s insistence on waiting for “the right moment” is no longer credible. “They had said they wanted to be in lockstep with allies, but this means that position won’t hold,” one MP said.
Former US President Donald Trump responded dismissively to Macron’s announcement, telling reporters en route to Scotland: “What he says doesn’t matter. He’s a very good guy. I like him, but that statement doesn’t carry weight.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, saying: “Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it.”
Meanwhile, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle defended the UK’s cautious approach, telling M10 News on Friday morning that immediate recognition was not the current priority.
“We want Palestinian statehood. We desire it… but right now, today, we’ve got to focus on what will ease the suffering, and it is extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza that has to be the priority for us today,” Kyle said.
He added that creating the conditions for lasting peace must come before formal recognition, calling for “space” for a long-term political solution to emerge.
An emergency call between the UK, Germany and France was set for Friday, amid what Starmer described as a “human catastrophe” that has “reached new depths.”
The Foreign Office reaffirmed its commitment to eventual recognition of Palestinian statehood, but stated that timing remains critical to ensure “maximum impact in support of a peace process.”
It added: “We continue to provide lifesaving aid to support Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and to work closely in support of the Palestinian Authority.”
Editing by M10News Politics Desk | Contact: politics@m10news.com
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