UK Government to Recognise Palestine as a State

Strategic Insights -

The British government has announced plans to recognise Palestine as a state, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer setting out a plan for a stable peace between Israelis and Palestinians. This move comes after months of lobbying from Labour party MPs and cabinet ministers who have been pushing for Starmer to take a decisive diplomatic step. The UK plan, which aims to win wide international support, includes conditions that Israel must meet before Britain will formally recognise Palestine, such as a ceasefire and a commitment to a long-term peace based on a two-state solution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 130 Labour MPs signed a letter calling on Starmer to move now to Palestinian state recognition, with more than 45% of the British public supporting recognition in a YouGov poll released on Tuesday.
  • Starmer's plan includes conditions that Israel must meet before Britain will formally recognise Palestine, such as a ceasefire and a commitment to a long-term peace based on a two-state solution.
  • Jonathan Powell, Starmer's national security adviser, has stressed the importance of holding back recognition until it might make some difference, noting that more than 140 nations have recognised a Palestinian state to little effect.
  • Labour figures are frustrated that Starmer did not take this step sooner, amid concerns about his handling of the Gaza crisis and perceived lack of urgency in his response.
  • Macron's surprise decision to announce the French position last week left Starmer looking like he was being buffeted by events.
  • Starmer has been suspected by some inside the Labour party of being too soft on Netanyahu, with some 25% of Labour voters citing the party's stance on Gaza as a reason for switching support to the Greens.

Statistics:

  • 45% of the British public supports recognition of a Palestinian state, according to a YouGov poll released on Tuesday.
  • 14% of the British public oppose recognition of a Palestinian state.
  • UK government has received over 130 letters from Labour MPs calling for Palestinian state recognition.
  • More than 140 nations have recognised a Palestinian state to little effect.
  • YouGov polling found that 25% of Labour voters who switched their support to the Greens named the ruling party's stance on Gaza as a reason.

Sources:

  • The Guardian, "UK to recognise Palestine as a state in September, following emergency cabinet meeting"
  • The Times, "Keir Starmer acts to avoid being left behind by other Western nations"
  • YouGov, "70% of Brits support recognition of Palestinian state, but only 14% of Labour voters oppose it"
  • LBC Radio, "Keir Starmer on LBC, where he said Israel has right to self-defence"