MPs Urge Starmer to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Pressure for Peace Process

Wed Feb 04 2026 12:11:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A group of 220 MPs from nine parties has signed a letter urging Sir Keir Starmer to recognize a Palestinian state, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution.

The urgent appeal, backed by primarily Labour MPs, comes as international pressure mounts for the UK to support recognition, reflected in recent commitments from France. After discussions with French and German leaders, Starmer acknowledged the need for a broader peace plan, highlighting the recognition of Palestine as a crucial step towards achieving lasting stability.

A coalition of 220 Members of Parliament (MPs), representing nine different political parties, has signed a letter calling on Sir Keir Starmer to officially recognize a Palestinian state. This initiative, spearheaded by Labour MPs, emphasizes that UK acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood would send a significant message and is essential for progressing towards a two-state solution.

Recently, France's commitment to recognize Palestinian statehood ratcheted up international pressure on the UK government. In response to a joint emergency call from French President Emmanuel Macron and German leader Friedrich Merz, Starmer stated that any recognition must be part of a comprehensive plan leading to enduring peace in the region. “Recognition of a Palestinian state must be incorporated into a wider strategy that ensures lasting security, not just for Palestinians but for Israelis as well,” he remarked.

The UK, along with France and Germany, has also issued a statement urging Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, amidst growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis there. While it did not explicitly mention the question of Palestinian statehood, the joint declaration highlighted the necessity for immediate ceasefire and support for a political process aimed at achieving lasting peace.

The MPs’ letter comes on the heels of condemnation from the UK and 27 other nations regarding the current humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Israel’s government, however, maintains that it is not operating under a siege and accuses Hamas of exacerbating the crisis.

Among those who signed the letter are 131 Labour MPs, including prominent figures such as former minister Liam Byrne. Additionally, representatives from the Liberal Democrats, the Conservative party, the Scottish National Party, and others have lent their support to the cause. The MPs argue that Britain has historically maintained a cross-party consensus for Palestinian recognition, reiterating that such recognition would be particularly meaningful due to the UK’s past involvement in the region.

Labour MP Sarah Champion, who organized the letter, stated that a two-state solution remains the only sustainable way to achieve peace. “British recognition of Palestine would symbolize our support for the Palestinian people's rights, reinforcing that they are not alone in their aspirations for peace and security alongside Israel," she expressed.

Historically, the House of Commons has expressed support for Palestinian statehood, with an overwhelming majority backing a motion for recognition in 2014. Although around 139 countries officially recognize a Palestinian state, many nations—including several in Europe—insist that recognition should only follow advancements towards a resolution. Notably, last year saw Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally take steps to recognize Palestine, pushing for diplomatic pressure to foster peace efforts in the region.

However, some critics argue that recognition may only be a symbolic act unless substantial issues regarding Palestinian governance and territorial limits are first resolved.