Letter urges Starmer to recall Parliament, 'act now' over Gaza
3 Min Read
As France and other European states move to recognize Palestine, UK parties warn Starmer that waiting until September is too late to stop Gaza’s tragedy.
-
Palestinians pray over the bodies of people who were massacred in an Israeli army airstrike, during their funeral at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP)
MPs, MLAs, MSPs, and Welsh MSs have collectively called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to "act now" and apply pressure on "Israel" to end the war on Gaza.
The SDLP-led letter, joined by Sinn Féin, Alliance, the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the Green Party, and People Before Profit, urges Parliament to be recalled and demands urgent diplomatic engagement, alongside a halt to arms sales to "Israel".
Prime Minister Starmer has previously stated that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless "Israel" takes "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza." However, the government faces mounting political pressure both domestically and internationally to take more decisive action.
Call for immediate action
France recently announced it would recognize a Palestinian state in September, following Ireland, Spain, and Norway, which took similar steps last year.
In the joint letter, seen by BBC News NI, the leaders of seven parties wrote that they are "united in our deep concern and opposition to the government's ongoing support for the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza."
They added, "We note your stated September deadline for reassessing the UK's position. Given the urgency of the crisis, this is far too late. Every day of delay means more children starve, more families are torn apart, and more lives are lost. You must act now. The UK cannot be complicit in prolonging this tragedy."
The letter bears the signatures of SDLP leader Claire Hanna, Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O'Neill, Alliance leader Naomi Long, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, and People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll.
SDLP leader emphasizes urgency
Hanna said, "Today the SDLP is leading parties in giving expression to the despair and anger at the UK Government's failure to stand up to Netanyahu. Our voice may be the only tool we have, but together it is a powerful one - reflecting the depth of feeling of our constituents and highlighting the failure of the Prime Minister and his government to do all in their power to protect the people of Gaza. We are demanding the immediate recall of Parliament and an intervention that sends a clear message to the Israeli Government that this cannot continue."
The letter also urges the UK to use its "diplomatic influence to press for the unimpeded delivery of food, water and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza."
Appeal for ceasefire, protection of civilians
The joint letter calls on the UK government to "support a ceasefire and meaningful diplomatic intervention to protect civilians and secure a just, lasting peace."
It further states, "We urge you to act decisively by standing against the man-made famine, the mass killing of children and the broader assault on human life."
"History will remember whether we chose to remain silent or stand on the side of humanity," it concludes.
Read more: Children wasting away due to Israeli policies: Amnesty
