Hundreds of UK MPs call for Palestine recognition
A group of 221 UK parliamentarians have signed a letter calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognise a Palestinian state.
The letter, shared on X by Labour MP Sarah Champion, urges the government to make the move before a UN conference in New York on July 28-29.
“We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality,” reads the letter, backed by MPs of nine different parties.
“UK recognition would have a significant impact due to our historical connections and our membership on the UN Security Council, so we urge you to take this step,” the letter states.
Yesterday, French President Macron said his country would recognise Palestine, drawing the ire of Israeli officials.
UK’s Starmer says Palestine recognition must be part of ‘wider’ peace plan
The British prime minister has said he is “unequivocal” about the need to recognise a Palestinian state, but that it should “be part of a wider plan” that brings about a lasting two-state solution.
“This is the way to ensure it is a tool of maximum utility to improve the lives of those who are suffering,” Starmer said in a statement released by his office.
In the statement, Starmer also condemned the “appalling scenes” in Gaza and Israel’s “disproportionate military escalation”.
“The continued captivity of hostages, the starvation and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, the increasing violence from extremist settler groups, and Israel’s disproportionate military escalation in Gaza are all indefensible,” said Starmer.
As we reported, a group of 221 British MPs have urged Starmer to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Any sanctions yet? Any halt to sending more weapons / fighter jet parts yet? Or just arresting more people for supporting Palestine Action.
