More than 200 Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to officially recognise a Palestinian state, escalating political and public pressure on the Labour government amid Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza. In an open letter signed by 221 MPs from across nine political parties—including Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats, SNP, and the Greens—lawmakers are demanding that the UK take a definitive stance in support of a two-state solution ahead of an upcoming United Nations conference on Palestine.
The MPs argue that, while the UK alone cannot secure an independent Palestine, formal recognition by London would have significant global impact due to Britain’s historical ties and its influential seat on the UN Security Council. The letter urges the government to clarify its timeline and strategy for recognising Palestine, emphasizing the urgent need for the UK to work with international partners to turn long-standing commitments into action.
This call comes as public anger mounts both within the UK and globally over Israel’s relentless blockade and bombardment of Gaza, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian catastrophe and a deadly starvation crisis. The United Nations and leading human rights organizations warn that malnutrition and lack of humanitarian aid are placing thousands of Palestinian children at risk.
Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, condemning the continued captivity of hostages, the blockade on humanitarian aid, and the rise in violence from extremist settler groups. He described Israel’s military escalation in Gaza as “indefensible,” but stopped short of announcing immediate recognition of Palestine, stressing instead the need for a wider peace strategy that includes a pathway to a two-state solution and lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Protests outside Starmer’s London residence reflect mounting frustration among British citizens, many of whom are demanding the government leverage its international influence to end the Gaza crisis. Calls are also growing for the UK to consider sanctions and an arms embargo against Israel.
Starmer now faces a complex diplomatic balancing act, particularly as he prepares to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, who has openly criticised France’s decision and remains firmly supportive of Israel. The differing stances between Europe and the U.S. are placing Starmer in a challenging position, as he seeks to maintain strong relationships with both allies while responding to public and parliamentary demands for decisive action on Palestine.
