UK PM Keir Starmer is coming under increased pressure from MPs, as well as members of his cabinet, to recognise a Palestinian state. All this even as his government is preparing to increase aid for Gaza, which is being hit by what Downing Street has termed an “appalling” humanitarian crisis.
More than 221 MPs—almost a third of the House of Commons—have signed a letter calling on Starmer to make public formal recognition of Palestine at next week’s UN conference. Though Starmer has pledged to boost humanitarian aid, he remains wedded to making state recognition part of the larger objective of a durable two-state solution.
MPs Call for Action on Palestinian Statehood
Demands for instant recognition have been made from both sides of the party divide. Labour MP Sarah Champion is spearheading a concerted effort backed by 221 MPs, including frontbenchers. They seek the UK to honour its “long-standing commitment” to the two-state solution by making formal recognition of a Palestinian state.
In their correspondence, MPs noted, “We are hopeful that the result of the conference will be the UK Government setting out when and how it will move on its longstanding commitment to a two-state solution.” Champion also added that while recognition will not bring an end to the war, it would make a very positive statement of hope for Palestinians.
“Recognition would have a strong symbolic effect of saying that we are in favour of the Palestinian people’s rights, that they are not isolated and they must hold on to hope,” Champion said.
UK Increases Humanitarian Aid
As the situation worsened, the British government revealed fresh plans to airdrop food into Gaza. It will also airlift ill and injured children who need urgent medical assistance. Starmer, in an op-ed written on a Friday evening, had referred to Gaza as a humanitarian disaster. “It is a humanitarian catastrophe. And it must end now,” he had written.
He vowed to “pull every lever we have” to get food and lifesaving aid to civilians. The British government has already arranged for coordinated efforts with international allies to send aid immediately.
Starmer Sticks to Long-Term Peace Path
Despite the pressure on the ground, PM Starmer is still guarded on immediate Palestinian statehood recognition. He restated that recognition should be included in a broader peace plan. “It has to be part of a broader plan which ultimately leads to a two-state solution and enduring security for Palestinians and Israelis,” Starmer stated.
He went further to say that identification should not be made symbolic but employed as a “tool of maximum impact” to enhance lives. In the meantime, his administration maintains its emphasis on humanitarian assistance and diplomatic coordination, while the political struggle over recognition of statehood gains momentum at home.
