221 UK parliamentarians send letter to Prime Minister Starmer demanding recognition of Palestine

As Israel’s attacks on Gaza continue, 221 members of parliament from across the political spectrum in the UK have signed an open letter calling on the Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognize the State of Palestine.

The letter, which comes at a time of growing public anger in the UK and around the world as Israel’s relentless attacks and blockade on Gaza lead to a deadly hunger crisis, states: "We are writing this letter to place on record our support for the UK to recognize the State of Palestine ahead of the UN Conference to be held in New York on July 28-29, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. We expect the British government to explain when and how it will implement its long-standing commitment to a two-state solution as a result of the conference, and how it will work with international partners to make this a reality."

The letter emphasizes that the UK's recognition of Palestine would have a significant impact due to its historical ties and its position on the UN Security Council, stating: "The UK's recognition of Palestine would be a particularly powerful message, given our role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and as a mandatory power. We have supported a two-state solution since 1980. Such recognition would give real meaning to this position of ours."

The letter concluded with a demand for the UK to officially recognize Palestine at the International Conference on Palestine to be held in New York next week.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also addressed the issue of recognizing the State of Palestine in a statement he posted on social media today, saying: "I am working on a path to peace in the region. This path will focus on practical solutions that will truly make a difference in the lives of those suffering in the war. This roadmap will set out concrete steps to turn the urgently needed ceasefire into a lasting peace. The recognition of a Palestinian state must be one of these steps. I have no hesitation about this. However, this must ultimately be part of a broader plan that will result in a two-state solution and lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis."

The letter from the British parliamentarians came one day after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize the State of Palestine.