The United Kingdom has consistently reiterated its support for a two-state solution as the only acceptable resolution to put an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. However, it continues to recognize only one of those states. In an exclusive piece for the Independent, and within her role as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, MP Emily Thornberry argues that now is the time for the UK to formally recognize the state of Palestine.

Thornberry recalls that recognition of Palestine has been Labour policy since her tenure as shadow foreign secretary, and it featured prominently in the party's most recent election manifesto. With France announcing it will recognize Palestine in September, she urges the UK government to join in this pivotal move.

"We cannot wait forever for a perfect moment that may never come," Thornberry stresses. "The UK has missed multiple opportunities to act decisively in the past. We must not let another opportunity pass us by."

Ahead of the French-Saudi conference on the two-state solution in New York on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron has committed to recognizing Palestine this September. In a recent address to the British Parliament, Macron urged the UK to act in unison with France. Thornberry views a coordinated move by both countries, co-signatories of the 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement, as a powerful message of renewed commitment to peace in the region.

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The need for urgent action in Gaza

While recognition alone cannot bring peace, Thornberry emphasizes that it should be the first step in a renewed UK effort to work with regional allies to build a sustainable peace process. She supports an immediate ceasefire and the unrestricted flow of UN-administered humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The Foreign Affairs Committee, which published its first report of the new parliament titled "The Israel-Palestine Conflict" on July 25, 2025, reinforces these views. It criticizes the UK government for often acting "too little, too late" and calls for a new, bolder strategy to influence outcomes in the region.

Adding to the momentum, a coalition of over 50 former UK diplomats and ambassadors has formally urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognize a Palestinian state. The signatories included former UK representatives to countries across West Asia and international bodies, underscoring the depth of institutional support for this policy shift

Violent settlers should be sanctioned

Thornberry and her committee argue that violent extremist settlers and the companies enabling them pose a direct threat to the two-state solution. The Committee recommends extending sanctions to all businesses operating in illegal settlements in the West Bank and calls for a total ban on the import of goods produced in these areas.

The report also suggests that the UK should immediately facilitate the evacuation of critically injured Palestinian children to receive medical treatment and replace the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation with a UN-led aid distribution system.

The recognition of Palestine, Thornberry believes, would demonstrate that Britain is not merely reacting to tragedy but is committed to playing a constructive role in resolving one of the world’s longest-standing issues.