London-In a significant political development, 221 Members of Parliament from across nine UK political parties have jointly written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, urging immediate recognition of Palestine as an independent state. The letter, representing roughly one-third of the House of Commons, reflects a broad cross-party consensus and mounting political pressure on the UK government to act ahead of an upcoming UN conference in New York. Spearheaded by MP Sarah Champion, the initiative includes prominent figures such as Emily Thornberry, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, and party leaders from the Liberal Democrats, Greens, SNP, and Plaid Cymru, as well as several Conservative MPs. The signatories argue that, while the UK alone cannot deliver Palestinian statehood, its formal recognition would carry substantial moral and diplomatic weight due to Britain’s historical role in the region and its influence on the global stage.
The letter comes amid escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where severe Israeli restrictions on aid have led to soaring malnutrition rates and deepening civilian suffering. Humanitarian agencies, including Medicines Sans Frontiers and the UN World Food Programme, have raised alarm over the dire conditions. In this context, the MPs contend that UK recognition of Palestine would not only affirm Britain’s longstanding support for a two-state solution but also reinforce international efforts for peace and justice. The move aligns with recent diplomatic gestures from France, which has pledged to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. However, Prime Minister Starmer remains cautious, reiterating his support for Palestinian recognition but only within the framework of a broader peace process and after a ceasefire is achieved.