UK PM faces cabinet pressure to support Palestinian statehood
5 Min Read
Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure from senior Cabinet members, over 125 MPs, and the Foreign Affairs Committee to formally recognize the State of Palestine.
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Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks with trainee pilots during a visit to RAF Valley in Anglesey, north Wales, on June 27, 2025 (AP)
The British Prime Minister is facing growing pressure from senior members of his Cabinet to swiftly recognize the State of Palestine, according to media reports.
Bloomberg reported Thursday that several high-ranking officials are frustrated with Keir Starmer’s delay in fulfilling his pledge to support Palestinian statehood. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report named Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy as among those urging both Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to act without further delay.
The internal pressure comes on the heels of a significant announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron, who declared that France will formally recognize Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Macron had reportedly been encouraging Starmer to join him in a coordinated recognition effort.
Earlier on Thursday, Starmer condemned the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it “unspeakable and indefensible,” as reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry revealed that at least 122 people have died from starvation and malnutrition since October 2023.
Starmer is expected to join Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a phone call on Friday to discuss the situation further.
Meanwhile, the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has also called on the government to recognize Palestinian statehood “boldly and bravely” as part of its efforts toward a "two-state solution". Committee Chair Emily Thornberry voiced public discontent, saying there is "huge frustration among many of the British public that the government has consistently acted too little, too late."
Over 100 MPs demand government recognize Palestine as state
Adding to the mounting pressure on Starmer, more than 125 Members of Parliament signed a cross-party letter on Friday urging the government to formally recognize the State of Palestine.
The letter, initiated by Labour MP Sarah Champion, chair of the International Development Committee, argued that British recognition would carry significant weight, especially given the UK's historical role as the author of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, a document many see as a root of the ongoing struggle, and its former status as the Mandatory Power in Palestine.
"Since 1980, we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people under that Mandate," the letter stated.
Meanwhile, Science and Technology Minister Peter Kyle emphasized the UK’s long-term support for Palestinian statehood but stressed that immediate attention must be directed toward alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"We want Palestinian statehood, we desire it, and we want to make sure the circumstances can exist where that kind of long-term political solution can have the space to evolve," Kyle told Sky News. "But right now, today, we've got to focus on what will ease the suffering, and it is extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza that has to be the priority for us today."
Volker Turk condemns Palestine Action ban
In a separate context, the UN’s top human rights official voiced serious concern on Friday over the UK’s decision to ban the protest group Palestine Action under "terrorism legislation", calling it a “disturbing misuse” of counter-terrorism powers that could erode fundamental civil liberties.
The UK government recently proscribed Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000, following an incident in June in which members entered a military airfield and spray-painted two aircraft. Under the Act, “serious damage to property” can legally qualify as a terrorist offense.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk criticized this interpretation, stating, "UK domestic counter-terrorism legislation defines terrorist acts broadly to include 'serious damage to property'. But, according to international standards, terrorist acts should be confined to criminal acts intended to cause death or serious injury or to the taking of hostages."
Expansive definitions 'misuse the gravity and impact of terrorism'
He warned that such expansive definitions "misuse the gravity and impact of terrorism to expand it beyond those clear boundaries."
Under the ban, it is now a criminal offense to be a member of Palestine Action, express support for the group, or even wear clothing suggesting affiliation—violations that could carry up to 14 years in prison.
"The decision appears disproportionate and unnecessary," Türk added. "It limits the rights of many people… who have not themselves engaged in any underlying criminal activity but rather exercised their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association."
Since the ban took effect on July 5, at least 200 people have reportedly been arrested under terrorism charges, many during peaceful protests, according to the UN human rights office.
Turk called on the UK government to revoke the ban, drop related investigations, and revise its counter-terrorism framework. He cautioned that equating political expression or protest with terrorism risks a broader chilling effect on lawful dissent and democratic freedoms.
