Pressure Mounts on Keir Starmer to Speed Up Recognition of Palestinian State Amid Gaza Crisis
Keir Starmer faces growing demands from senior members of his cabinet and over a third of MPs to accelerate efforts toward recognizing a Palestinian state, as concerns escalate over Israel’s restrictions on aid to Gaza’s civilian population.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper are among those urging the government to take a leading role in recognizing Palestinian statehood alongside France. The push comes amid widespread condemnation of Israel’s military actions, with aid organizations reporting that severe malnutrition cases among children under five in Gaza City have tripled in the past two weeks.
The UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement on Friday, declaring that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must end immediately and calling on Israel to lift aid restrictions. “Preventing essential humanitarian assistance from reaching civilians is unacceptable,” they said.
Following discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Starmer condemned the continued detainment of hostages, the obstruction of aid, escalating settler violence, and what he described as Israel’s disproportionate military response in Gaza.
Starmer reaffirmed his support for Palestinian statehood but emphasized that it should be part of a broader strategy toward a two-state solution and long-term security for both Palestinians and Israelis. “This must be a meaningful step toward improving lives, which remains our priority,” he said.
The statement coincided with Donald Trump’s arrival in Scotland for a four-day visit, during which he is expected to meet with Starmer. Macron intensified pressure this week by announcing France’s intention to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. Trump dismissed the move, calling it ineffective.
The UK government maintains that it will recognize Palestine only within a wider peace process and alongside other Western nations at what it deems the most impactful moment.
Cooper, Rayner, and at least half a dozen other cabinet members are advocating for swift action. According to sources, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn have all pressed for recognition in recent cabinet discussions. Scotland Secretary Ian Murray and Wales Secretary Jo Stevens have also raised the issue. Murray and Stevens did not comment when approached.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is reportedly pushing for action, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy is said to be urging Downing Street to take a firmer stance.
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