MPs Push for UK to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Calls for Peace

The letter highlights the urgent need for a two-state solution as Israel faces international pressure.

In an unprecedented show of political unity, over 220 Members of Parliament (MPs) from nine different political parties have signed a letter urging Sir Keir Starmer to officially recognize a Palestinian state. This significant initiative, which includes more than half of the Labour MPs, seeks to convey a "powerful" message that could pave the way toward a sustainable two-state solution amidst escalating tensions in the region.

The letter arrives at a critical time, particularly following France’s commitment to recognizing Palestinian statehood within a matter of months. Following talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Sir Keir acknowledged that such recognition should align with a broader strategy aimed at achieving lasting peace in the area, commenting: “Recognition of a Palestinian state must form part of a wider plan that ultimately results in a two-state solution and enduring security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

A recent joint declaration from the leaders of the UK, France, and Germany calls for Israel to “immediately lift restrictions on aid flow” into Gaza, although the document does not directly reference Palestinian statehood. Instead, it emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire and a political framework fostering long-term security and peace for all parties involved. The threesome's statement harshly critiques the Israeli government's actions regarding humanitarian aid, stressing the necessity for an end to the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.

The urgency of the MPs’ appeal is reflected in the stark reality, as reports indicate that nearly one in five children in Gaza faces malnutrition. The international community, including the UK and 27 other nations, has expressed outrage over the insufficient aid and the ongoing civilian casualties. However, Israel asserts that it is not effectively implementing a siege and instead holds Hamas accountable for the humanitarian crisis.

The letter's support is notably bipartisan, securing signatures from 131 Labour MPs, including prominent figures such as Liam Byrne and Ruth Cadbury, as well as support from Lib Dem Leader Ed Davey, former Conservative minister Kit Malthouse, and the longest-serving MP, Sir Edward Leigh. Political parties like the SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP, and several independents also lent their endorsement to the cause.

The MPs argue that Parliament has lacked a substantive stance on Palestinian recognition in the context of a two-state solution despite decades of a cross-party consensus. They assert that while recognition alone may not resolve Gaza's suffering, it would send a significant and supportive message to the Palestinian people, highlighting their struggles and maintaining hope for their future.

Labour MP Sarah Champion, who spearheaded the letter, stated, "Recognition would symbolize our support for the Palestinian people's rights and highlight their quest for peace and security alongside Israeli citizens." Previously, in 2014, a non-binding motion was passed by the House of Commons advocating for recognition of a Palestinian state, which enjoyed broad cross-party backing.

With around 139 countries formally recognizing Palestine, many European nations, alongside the United States, maintain a stance that hinges recognition on efforts towards a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict. Efforts by Spain, Ireland, and Norway to recognize Palestine last year reflect a desire to reinforce diplomatic avenues for securing a ceasefire.

Despite skepticism regarding whether recognition would be a meaningful step without addressing leadership dynamics and the breadth of Palestinian statehood, the mounting pressure from MPs signals a significant shift in the UK’s political landscape concerning this contentious issue.