Cross-Party Coalition of 200+ MPs Calls on UK to Recognise Palestine

Date: July 25, 2025

Byline: UK Pulse Political Correspondent

More than 200 Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum have signed a powerful letter calling on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign state. The letter marks one of the strongest cross-party interventions on UK foreign policy since Labour’s landslide general election victory.

The signatories include MPs from Labour, the SNP, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Plaid Cymru, along with several independents. The letter urges the government to "uphold international law, support the two-state solution, and formally recognise the State of Palestine without further delay."

A Shift in Parliamentary Pressure

The coordinated appeal comes amid renewed violence and humanitarian concerns in Gaza and the West Bank, prompting growing frustration over what many MPs see as Britain's inaction. Several prominent Labour MPs, including shadow cabinet members, are reported to have supported the initiative—heightening pressure on Starmer to take a firmer stance.

"The recognition of Palestinian statehood is not a matter of political preference, it is a legal and moral obligation," the letter reads. "It is time for the UK to take a principled position in support of peace, justice, and a viable two-state solution."

Starmer Caught Between Internal Divisions

The Prime Minister, who has previously said recognition should come "at the right time in the peace process," now faces internal division within his party. While Labour’s 2024 manifesto reaffirmed support for Palestinian recognition, Starmer has so far stopped short of endorsing immediate action, seeking alignment with key allies such as the United States.

Insiders suggest No. 10 is concerned that premature recognition could undermine the UK's role as a mediator in Middle Eastern peace talks. However, critics argue the lack of recognition reinforces international impunity for Israel's settlement expansions and military actions.

International Momentum Builds

The UK parliamentary letter comes as other European nations, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, have recently recognised Palestine, citing the need to rebalance international diplomacy and end decades of conflict.

"The UK's hesitation is becoming increasingly out of step with its European partners and global opinion," said Layla Moran MP, the UK’s first MP of Palestinian descent. "Recognition would send a powerful message that Palestinians too have a right to self-determination and security."

Public and Grassroots Support Grows

The call for recognition has also been echoed by trade unions, religious leaders, human rights groups, and grassroots movements across the UK. A recent YouGov poll showed 62% of the British public support Palestinian statehood, with only 17% opposed.

As diplomatic tensions intensify and global attention remains fixed on the region, Starmer now finds himself at a crucial crossroads—whether to continue with a cautious, strategic alignment or seize the moment to make a bold foreign policy decision.