A coalition of 125 Members of Parliament (MPs) from across party lines have formally written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging his government to officially recognize the State of Palestine. The joint letter, delivered today, marks one of the most significant parliamentary pushes on the issue in recent years.
The letter, signed by MPs from Labour, the Scottish National Party (SNP), Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, the Green Party, and a number of Conservative backbenchers, calls on Prime Minister Starmer to “act decisively and without delay” by granting diplomatic recognition to Palestine — a step they say would reaffirm the UK’s commitment to international law, human rights, and a just peace in the Middle East.
“In light of ongoing human suffering, the persistent occupation, and the global momentum behind Palestinian statehood, it is time for the UK to take a principled stand,” the letter reads. “Recognition is not a reward to any party, but a reaffirmation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.”
The lawmakers argue that recognition would strengthen the prospects for a two-state solution by helping to correct the “historic imbalance” in diplomatic recognition between Israel and Palestine. They cite the recognition of Palestine by over 140 countries globally — including recent moves by Spain, Ireland, and Norway — as evidence of growing international consensus.
The move adds pressure on the Starmer-led Labour government, which took office earlier this month following a decisive general election victory. Labour’s 2019 and 2021 manifestos had pledged to recognize Palestine, but the current government has yet to set a timeline or make a clear statement on the issue since assuming power.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has previously stated the UK would recognize a Palestinian state “at a time most conducive to peace,” but critics argue that postponement only emboldens the status quo.
Today’s letter follows renewed international attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the wake of Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, with mounting civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction drawing condemnation from rights groups and the UN.
Speaking at a press briefing, MP Layla Moran, a key organizer of the letter and the only British MP of Palestinian descent, said: “We can no longer speak of peace and fairness in the region without recognizing Palestine as a state. This is not a fringe view — it is the moral and diplomatic imperative of our time.”
The MPs also pointed out that UK recognition would align with United Nations General Assembly resolutions and uphold Britain’s historic responsibilities, especially as a former mandate power in Palestine.
No official response has been released yet from 10 Downing Street. However, a government spokesperson acknowledged receipt of the letter and stated that the Prime Minister “remains committed to a just and lasting peace based on a negotiated two-state solution.”