Starmer Under Fire as Pressure Mounts to Recognise Palestinian State
Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure from MPs, cabinet members, and international allies to immediately recognise Palestinian statehood. Over 100 MPs, including senior Labour figures, have signed a cross-party letter urging the Prime Minister to act, referencing Britain’s historic role in the region. The demand has grown louder following France’s decision to formally recognise Palestine, with a UN conference planned for September. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and other cabinet members have joined the push, though internal resistance remains from members aligned with Labour Friends of Israel.
The pressure has reached a boiling point amid what Starmer has called an “unspeakable and indefensible” humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A Foreign Affairs Committee report, supported by Labour and Lib Dem MPs, urges immediate recognition, warning “an inalienable right should not be made conditional.” The TUC and trade unions, who are major Labour donors, have echoed that call alongside local leaders like London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Despite this, some in government continue to argue that recognition should only come when it has “the greatest impact” on peace efforts.
As mass starvation worsens in Gaza and international criticism of UK inaction grows, Starmer is holding emergency talks with Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz today. Insiders say recognition may be imminent, possibly timed to avoid tension ahead of a scheduled meeting with Donald Trump. But for many, the time for delay has passed. “The government cannot continue to wait for the perfect time,” MPs wrote. “Experience shows that there will never be a perfect time.”
