Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

Labour MPs push for UK recognition of Palestine at UN conference

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Guardian
  • 24 May 2025 13:08
  • 4 Shares
4 Min Read

As global momentum for Palestinian recognition builds, France signals openness while the UK weighs its next move.

Listen
  • x
  • Labour Party leader Keir Starmer shakes hands with his supporters at the Tate Modern in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP)
    Labour Party leader Keir Starmer shakes hands with his supporters at the Tate Modern in London, Friday, July 5, 2024 (AP)

Senior Labour politicians are intensifying calls for the UK government to formally recognize a Palestinian state during a high-level UN "two-state solution" conference set for mid-June, The Guardian reported.

They argued that such a move would demonstrate moral leadership and serve as a meaningful step toward peace amid escalating regional instability.

Veteran Labour peer Alf Dubs said recognition would offer Palestinians “the self-respect they’d have if they had a proper state,” bolstering their position in future negotiations. “Even if it doesn’t lead to anything immediately, it would still give Palestinians a better standing,” he said. “Symbols matter".

Former cabinet minister Peter Hain echoed the sentiment, warning that waiting for a negotiated outcome before acting “simply allows ‘Israel’s’ illegal occupation to become permanent.” Recognition, he argued, should be “a catalyst, not a consequence” of negotiations.

Labour’s message aligns with broader international sentiment. At a preparatory meeting in New York, Saudi Arabia stressed that recognition must be seen as a prerequisite for peace, not a post-war gesture. The upcoming UN conference, scheduled for 17–20 June, is expected to bring fresh momentum for countries like the UK and France to move beyond rhetoric and take tangible diplomatic steps.

France signals openness, UK remains cautious

Related News

Almost 60 UK MPs call for full ban on arms exports to 'Israel'

60 Labour MPs Urge UK to Recognize Palestinian State

French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that France may formally extend Palestinian statehood recognition, potentially joining the 147 countries that have already done so. However, Macron has signalled a preference to do so within a broader, coordinated UN framework.

On his part, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that he has discussed the issue with French officials but cautioned against what he called “a gesture with no practical impact.” The UK maintains its position that it will recognize a Palestinian state “at the point of maximum impact.” According to The Guardian, the UK government believes France may ultimately choose not to proceed in June.

Within the Labour Party, internal pressure is also growing. Sixty-nine MPs and six peers recently signed a joint letter urging the prime minister to act during what they described as a “unique window of opportunity” to recognize Palestine. The letter, organized by Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East chairs Sarah Owen and Andrew Pakes, reportedly includes support from several current ministers, underscoring growing Labour support for Palestine.

UN conference seen as turning point

France and Saudi Arabia, co-chairs of the June conference, have stated that the meeting is not intended to relaunch an open-ended peace process, but rather to implement, once and for all, the "two-state solution". A concept note from the organizers stresses the urgency amid continued Israeli settlement expansion, incitement assaults, and efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians.

The conference will include eight working groups focused on mapping practical steps toward implementation. Participating states will be asked to outline specific actions they are willing to undertake to help realize peace and meet their international responsibilities.

Time has come for Britain to 'show principled leadership'

Labour MP Alex Ballinger, a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, said the time has come for Britain to “show principled leadership,” adding, “We can no longer speak in platitudes about two states while blocking the very steps that could help make one of them real.”

Afzal Khan, a former shadow minister and long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, echoed the call. “Recognition would now be a positive first step toward securing a peaceful two-state solution, ending unlawful settlement expansions and blockades, and unlocking the diplomatic and humanitarian pathways to lasting justice,” he said. He warned that the UK risks falling behind while the rest of the world takes action.

As the UN conference approaches, pressure is mounting on the UK to match its rhetoric with action and formally back UK recognition of a Palestinian state as a necessary and overdue move toward peace.

Read next: 'Israel' blocks French visit amid Macron’s Palestine recognition push

  • Labour Party
  • Palestine
  • palestinian state
  • United Kingdom
  • Palestinian cause
  • European Union

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS