Pressure Mounts on Keir Starmer to Recognise Palestinian Statehood After France’s Bold Move
Labour and Lib Dem MPs demand immediate action, while Tories urge caution—amid warnings of mass starvation in Gaza.
Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure to recognise Palestinian statehood without delay, after France pledged to do so within months and a cross-party group of MPs urged the UK government to follow suit.
The push comes as the Labour leader prepares for an emergency call with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, amid dire warnings of famine in Gaza.
"An Inalienable Right"—MPs Demand Action
In a striking intervention, Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs on the influential Foreign Affairs Committee argued that Palestinian statehood is an "inalienable right" that should "not be made conditional."
But their two Conservative counterparts dissented, insisting recognition should only come as part of a long-term political solution—echoing the Labour government’s official stance.
On Thursday evening, Starmer condemned the "unspeakable and indefensible" suffering in Gaza and reiterated that Palestinian statehood is a fundamental right. However, he stopped short of committing to immediate recognition, saying a ceasefire must first pave the way.
His cautious approach contrasts with France’s decisive move, which has reignited the debate over whether the UK should act now—or wait indefinitely for an elusive "perfect moment."
The Global Divide on Recognition
While 139 countries already recognise Palestine as a state, most Western powers—including the US and much of Europe—have held back, insisting recognition must be part of a broader peace deal.
But the tide may be shifting. Last year, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognised Palestine, hoping to pressure Israel into ceasefire talks. Now, France’s commitment has added fresh momentum.
Palestinian officials have welcomed the move, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out, calling statehood "a launch pad to annihilate Israel." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed it as "reckless."
"Where’s the Beef?"—The Sceptics’ View
Not everyone is convinced recognition would make a tangible difference. Former Foreign Office chief Lord McDonald told the BBC that without defined borders or an agreed government, a Palestinian state remains "largely symbolic."
"It would incense the Israelis, it would incense the Americans, and people would ask: ‘Where’s the beef?’" he said.
The Foreign Affairs Committee report acknowledges that Israel "is not listening to the UK" and only "sporadically" heeds even the US—its biggest military ally.
"Never a Perfect Time"
The report’s most striking conclusion? "The government cannot continue to wait for the perfect time because experience shows that there will never be a perfect time."
That line was backed by all six Labour MPs on the committee, including chair Dame Emily Thornberry, and the two Lib Dems. But the two Tory members, Aphra Brandreth and Sir John Whittingdale, refused to endorse it, arguing recognition must be tied to a broader two-state solution.
Meanwhile, over 60 MPs recently signed a letter demanding immediate recognition, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan added his voice this week.
What Happens Next?
Science Secretary Peter Kyle stressed that Labour’s manifesto supports Palestinian statehood—but only in a way that "delivers long-term peace."
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey was more direct: "The UK should be leading on this, not falling behind. Recognise Palestine now."
With France moving forward and pressure building at home, Starmer’s next steps could define his foreign policy—and test his balancing act between principle and pragmatism.
One thing is clear: the debate over Palestine is far from over—and the UK’s stance may soon have to change.