Parliamentary pressure is mounting on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to follow in the footsteps of French President Emmanuel Macron and recognize a Palestinian state. A majority of lawmakers on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee declared Friday that Britain should immediately recognize a Palestinian state.
Starmer faces fresh calls from Labour ranks to take the step amid warnings of mass starvation in Gaza and after France indicated it would do so within months.
In a new report, Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs on the select committee argue that statehood is an "inviolable right" that shouldn't be conditional. However, their two Conservative colleagues said Palestine should only be recognized as part of a long-term political solution to the Middle East conflict, echoing the Labour government's position.
The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible. pic.twitter.com/ca1vl5zM3j
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 24, 2025
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously expressed opposition to Britain's unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. However, a majority in his party, which won decisively in recent elections, supports this step and other measures against Israel following the prolonged fighting in Gaza.
Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.
I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.… pic.twitter.com/VTSVGVH41I
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 24, 2025
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot defended Macron's decision, arguing it would thwart Hamas' aspirations. "Hamas has always ruled out a two-state solution. By recognizing Palestine, France goes against that terrorist organization. It's backing the side of peace against the side of war," Barrot explained.
