Starmer: Ceasefire Needed Before UK Recognises Palestine
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said recognition of Palestine as a state depends on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, amid growing pressure from cabinet members, MPs, and international allies to act swiftly.
“A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis,” Starmer said in a statement Thursday, reiterating his position that statehood is “the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.”
His remarks come as French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would formally recognise Palestine in September—making it the first G7 country to do so. Over 100 British MPs, including Labour’s Sarah Champion, have signed a cross-party letter urging Starmer to follow suit. “British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine,” the letter states.
Despite mounting calls, Downing Street insists the UK will only recognise Palestine “when it will have the most impact in support of a peace process.” A Foreign Office spokesperson added the government remains committed to the recognition “at the right time.”
While Macron has committed to a firm timeline, Starmer has not, focusing instead on humanitarian urgency. “We strongly support the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt,” he said, adding that “all sides must engage in good faith, and at pace, to bring about an immediate ceasefire.”
