A coalition of more than 220 UK parliamentarians from nine political parties has issued an open letter to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, pressing for the formal recognition of a Palestinian state. The cross-party group argues that this step would bolster diplomatic efforts and advance the prospects of a two-state solution, a cornerstone for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The letter, signed by a majority of Labour MPs, including notable figures like former minister Liam Byrne and committee chair Ruth Cadbury, also garners support from diverse political voices. These include Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, former Conservative minister Kit Malthouse, and veteran Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh, alongside representatives from the SNP, Green Party, Plaid Cymru, SDLP, and several independents.

The initiative follows France’s recent commitment to recognize Palestinian statehood, amplifying calls for the UK to align with the 139 countries worldwide that already grant formal recognition to Palestine. Labour MP Sarah Champion, who spearheaded the letter, emphasized that recognizing Palestine would send a potent message of UK support for Palestinian rights and a sustainable path to regional peace.

Sir Keir Starmer has maintained that recognition should be integrated into a comprehensive peace strategy to ensure lasting security and a viable two-state framework. This stance reflects the UK’s long-held position that recognition should follow a negotiated agreement outlining the structure and governance of a Palestinian state. Critics of immediate recognition argue that without such a framework, the gesture risks being symbolic rather than substantive.

The open letter underscores a growing parliamentary consensus for action, highlighting recognition as a vital step toward stability and justice in the region, even as debates continue over the timing and conditions of such a move.