Key Points
- Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, has welcomed the UK government’s plan to recognise the State of Palestine by September.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK will formally recognise Palestine unless Israel agrees to specific conditions, including a ceasefire and the resumption of UN aid to Gaza, before the UN General Assembly.
- Over 220 MPs from various parties have signed a letter, led by Labour’s Sarah Champion, urging immediate recognition as global pressure mounts over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- The UK’s move follows similar announcements from France, Ireland, Spain, and Norway, and increases international momentum for Palestinian statehood.
- The announcement comes amid intense calls from MPs and activists who note the UK’s historical responsibility due to its role in the Balfour Declaration and as a former mandate power in Palestine.
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the UK’s position, stating it “rewards Hamas” and undermines attempts at a ceasefire and peace talks.
- Parliamentary debate and a private member’s bill have reinforced the call for recognition on the basis of pre-1967 borders, in line with international law and the two-state solution.
- Critics argue unilateral recognition may not advance peace negotiations, while supporters say it is essential for justice and a durable solution.
- 146 of 193 United Nations member states now recognise Palestine.
- Bolton MP Yasmin Qureshi has persistently campaigned for recognition during her time in Parliament, labelling the move “long overdue.”
The UK’s move towards recognising the State of Palestine by September has been publicly welcomed by Bolton MP Yasmin Qureshi, reflecting a crescendo of parliamentary, activist, and international voices urging Britain to act on its historic responsibility and commitment to a two-state solution.
Why Has the UK Decided to Recognise Palestine by September?
As reported by the BBC, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government announced their intent to formally recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes
“substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza.”
These steps include implementing a ceasefire and allowing the full resumption of United Nations aid deliveries into the territory. If Israel fails to meet these requirements, the UK will proceed with recognition during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
Sir Keir articulated during a press conference,
“The unacceptable situation in Gaza and the diminishing prospects for a two-state solution compel us to take this step. The UK’s commitment to a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state is under unprecedented pressure”.
What Has Been the Political Response Within the UK?
According to LabourList’s coverage by Sienna Rodgers, more than 100 Labour MPs have signed a cross-party letter demanding the government immediately recognise the State of Palestine. Organised by Sarah Champion, Labour MP for Rotherham, the letter asserts that such recognition would significantly impact the peace process given the UK’s historic role and membership on the UN Security Council. It references the UK’s longstanding support for a two-state solution and states,
“British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful, given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine”.
Yahoo News reports that 221 MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, the SNP, and others co-signed this appeal, reflecting broad political support. Notable signatories include Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and former Conservative minister Kit Malthouse. Their letter urges the government to “detail its plan for moving forward on its long-held commitment to a two-state solution and to work with Britain’s partners globally to help achieve it”.
How Has Yasmin Qureshi MP for Bolton Responded?
As highlighted on her official X account, Yasmin Qureshi MP, representing Bolton South and Walkden, stated,
“The UK’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state in September is a long-overdue shift I’ve pushed for since entering Parliament”.
She has consistently campaigned for Palestinian recognition, referencing the humanitarian crisis and the necessity for a legitimate, internationally-recognised two-state solution.
What Are the International Implications?
The BBC notes that the UK’s announcement aligns with similar moves by France and follows the recognition decisions made by Ireland, Spain, and Norway earlier in 2025. France notably became the first among G7 nations to publicly commit to recognising Palestine in September, increasing international momentum behind the issue. According to Hansard records summarised by Parliament correspondents, as of 28 May 2024, 146 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognised Palestine as a sovereign state.
What Has Been the Reaction from Israel?
As reported by the BBC, Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the UK’s shift in policy, labelling it a reward for Hamas and asserting that it undermines attempts to achieve a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The statement underscored concerns that external recognition efforts could impair future peace negotiations and security efforts.
Are There Legal and Diplomatic Arguments for This Step?
In a House of Lords debate covered in Hansard, Baroness Northover and other peers advocated for the Palestine Statehood (Recognition) Bill, which would oblige the UK to recognise Palestine based on pre-1967 borders. The Bill’s proponents highlight the UK’s “special responsibility” due to its historical actions in the region and the pressing need for justice after decades of occupation and violence. Supporters of the Bill argue that recognition is vital for peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, enabling negotiations on an equal footing.
What Are the Main Criticisms of Recognising Palestine Now?
Parliamentarians and commentators, including some House of Lords peers, have voiced concerns that unilateral recognition could damage the UK’s influence in negotiations and may not yield progress toward peace. They reference adverse Israeli responses to similar moves by other Western countries, warning that rushed actions carry diplomatic risks without solving on-the-ground issues or directly advancing a final-status peace agreement.
Why Is There Such Strong Advocacy Among British MPs?
LabourList details that the cross-party letter coordinated by Labour’s Sarah Champion expresses a desire for Britain to finally assume its responsibilities arising from its colonial past as author of the Balfour Declaration. Many MPs believe that UK recognition would provide needed substance to years of policy favouring a two-state solution. The humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, frequently noted in Parliament, has intensified calls for immediate and impactful diplomatic action.
How Do Previous International Recognition Attempts Provide Context?
Parliamentary debate recollected that Ireland, Spain, and Norway’s recent recognition of Palestine prompted Israel to recall ambassadors in protest. Nonetheless, proponents in Westminster emphasise that the growing majority of UN member states supporting Palestine’s statehood send a powerful signal and should prompt the UK to follow suit to reinforce a two-state paradigm.
What’s Next for the Recognition Process?
BBC coverage indicates that unless there is marked progress from Israel—specifically, a verifiable ceasefire and the restoration of humanitarian aid flows—Downing Street will proceed with formal recognition in September. This timeline is calibrated to coincide with the UN General Assembly, providing a multilateral stage for the announcement and aligning the UK with emerging European policy trends.
Conclusion
The British government’s prospective recognition of Palestine by September, strongly welcomed by Bolton MP Yasmin Qureshi and a wide coalition of MPs, marks a potential watershed in UK foreign policy. The move is motivated both by urgent humanitarian concern and a historic sense of diplomatic responsibility. While critics caution about potential diplomatic backlash and the challenges of unilateral action, advocates insist it is a necessary step towards a just and durable peace in the Middle East. As September approaches, the eyes of the international community and the British public will remain fixed on Westminster, awaiting definitive action.