British PM faces pressure to recognise Palestinian state

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing pressure to immediately recognise Palestine as a state amid growing calls from members of parliament and following France’s stand on the matter, reported PA Media/dpa.

Starmer said he will speak to French President Emmanuel Macron, who has confirmed France will recognise Palestinian statehood, making his country the first G7 nation to do so in a move that would be formalised at the UN General Assembly in September.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for the United Kingdom to follow suit, saying the UK “should be leading on this, not falling behind.”

“Recognise the independent state of Palestine now and take the lead on securing a two-state solution and a lasting peace,” he said.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has also called for immediate recognition, while the Trades Union Congress have pushed for formal recognition of Palestine “not in a year or two years – but now.”

Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said most of its members back recognition right away.

“It is the view of the majority of the committee that the UK government should immediately recognise the state of Palestine, signalling the UK’s desire to work urgently towards a two-state solution alongside our allies,” she said.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government wants to recognise a Palestinian state “in contribution to a peace process.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Tuesday called for recognition of Palestine “while there’s still a state of Palestine left to recognise.”

‘Unspeakable’ humanitarian conditions

Starmer condemned the “unspeakable and indefensible” humanitarian conditions in Gaza ahead of an emergency call with German and French leaders on Friday.

“I will hold an emergency call with E3 (France, Germany, and Italy) partners tomorrow, where we will discuss what we can do urgently to stop the killing and get people the food they desperately need, while pulling together all the steps necessary to build a lasting peace,” he said.

Starmer said on Thursday: “We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.

“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,” he added.

- Bernama

Over 60 European Parliament members demand action against Israel

France to officially recognise Palestinian state at UN general assembly

Freedom flotilla coalition loses contact with aid ship en route to Gaza

WHO chief: Israeli forces attacked staff residence in Gaza

UN: Israeli strikes displace over 737k in Gaza since March