LONDON: British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure from within Parliament to formally recognize Palestine as an independent state, as international momentum for Palestinian statehood gains traction.
A total of 125 members of Parliament have signed a joint letter urging the prime minister to take decisive action, describing the recognition of Palestine as a “significant and historic decision” that aligns with Britain’s long-standing support for a two-state solution.
The letter, backed by cross-party MPs, highlights that the UK has supported the two-state solution since 1980, and argues that formal recognition of Palestine would not only reinforce this stance but also fulfill historical responsibilities stemming from Britain’s colonial mandate in the region.
“We have supported a two-state solution for over four decades,” the letter reads. “Recognizing Palestine now would give real substance to that position and fulfill obligations that trace back to Britain’s past role in the region.”
Earlier this month, 60 MPs had similarly called on Foreign Secretary David Lammy to take steps toward Palestinian recognition, reflecting growing political consensus on the issue.
The domestic pressure comes amid a surge in international support for Palestinian statehood. On the same day, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize the State of Palestine. Macron shared a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas via social media, saying the recognition is aimed at advancing “a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
Macron added that he will formally announce the recognition of Palestine during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Meanwhile, Canada has also pledged to intensify efforts toward achieving a two-state solution.
The growing international and domestic calls for recognition signal a potential shift in Western policy toward the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
