More than 220 British MPs have signed a cross-party letter urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognise Palestine as an independent state, significantly increasing pressure on Downing Street to shift its current position. The letter, coordinated by Labour MP and International Development Committee Chair Sarah Champion, calls the move a moral and historic responsibility, citing Britain’s colonial-era role in Palestine and its authorship of the 1917 Balfour Declaration. “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,” the letter states. “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.” The push comes amid intensifying humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has triggered severe food shortages, rising malnutrition, and allegations of targeted violence by Israeli forces. Earlier this month, around 60 Labour MPs privately appealed to Foreign Secretary David Lammy to act immediately. The growing number of signatories now reflects deeper frustration with what critics see as the UK government’s reluctance to back recognition despite its long-standing support for a two-state solution. In response, Prime Minister Starmer issued a statement on Friday describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “unrelenting,” calling for a regional peace plan that includes eventual Palestinian statehood. “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,” he said. International Pressure Mounts The UK’s hesitance now stands in contrast with France, whose President Emmanuel Macron announced his government would formally recognise Palestine at a UN conference in September. This has amplified pressure on the UK to act in concert with key allies. “They said they wanted to be in lockstep with allies, but this means that position won’t hold,” a Labour MP told reporters. US President Donald Trump, however, dismissed Macron’s announcement, saying: “What he says doesn’t matter… He’s a good guy, but that statement doesn’t carry weight.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the French decision, calling it a reward for terrorism following the October 7 attack, and warning that a Palestinian state could become “another Iranian proxy” and a direct threat to Israel. UK Government Defends Position Technology Secretary Peter Kyle defended the UK’s stance, saying the government supports eventual statehood but insists that recognition must happen within the framework of a long-term peace process. “We want Palestinian statehood… but right now, we’ve got to focus on easing the extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza,” he said on Friday. The Foreign Office reiterated its support for a two-state solution, stating it will recognise Palestine only when it can “make the most impact” in support of peace. An emergency meeting with French and German officials was also convened Friday to address what Starmer called a “human catastrophe” in Gaza, underscoring the urgent diplomatic and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis.
