UK’s Starmer faces mounting pressure to recognise Palestinian state
Al Jazeera5 days
UK: Over 250 Lawmakers Call on Starmer to Recognize Palestine as Trump Visits Scotland
Above: Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London, U.K., on July 19, 2025. Image copyright: Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
With Macron's bold move to recognize Palestine and Australia's Albanese condemning Israel's breaches of international law, Starmer must lead the Anglosphere in supporting Palestinians. The U.K.'s commitment to statehood, backed by lawmakers and former ambassadors, aligns with the 147 states that already recognize Palestine. Starmer should act decisively to break the deadly status quo and uphold justice.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel's allies must seriously reconsider their rhetoric surrounding a Palestinian state. Starmer should look at Macron, whose announcement has already been criticized by Germany and Italy, and remain resistant to unilateral recognition. If European states wish to provide a safe haven for both Palestinians and Israelis, they should seek alternative solutions, like establishing a new Palestinian home in one of their territories.