Britain is weighing the recognition of a Palestinian state more seriously than ever, according to senior UK officials, amid growing political and public outrage over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while not yet following France’s lead, is now under intense pressure from within his Labour Party and international partners to take action.

Starmer Under Pressure as Gaza Starvation Intensifies

More than 250 MPs from across nine political parties have signed a letter urging Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to recognize Palestine at an upcoming UN conference on the two-state solution. The call follows distressing reports of starvation and civilian deaths in Gaza due to Israel's ongoing blockade on humanitarian aid.

Although Starmer has long supported the principle of Palestinian statehood, he has previously dismissed immediate recognition as "performative." However, internal momentum and international developments appear to be shifting his position.

Trump Meeting and International Dynamics

Starmer’s recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland further underscored the shift. While Trump dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of Palestine as insignificant, he notably did not oppose the UK taking a similar step.

“I’m not going to take a position,” Trump said. “I’m looking to getting people fed right now. That’s the No. 1 position.”

Following their talks, Trump pledged U.S. cooperation with Europe to establish food distribution centers in Gaza — a rebuke of the current Israeli-controlled aid system.

Cabinet Recall and Legal Hurdles

Starmer has recalled his cabinet for emergency talks on Gaza. Though some advisors argue recognition should be leveraged later in ceasefire talks, others in government say Britain's historical role in the region and current inaction demand a principled stance.

Former National Security Adviser Kim Darroch noted recognition involves “a whole range of legal criteria,” such as territorial control and diplomatic capability.

UK Aligns with Global Trend

The UK joins a growing list of Western governments considering recognition. France recently became the first G7 nation to do so, followed by Spain, Ireland, and Norway. Last month, Britain imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence, a move coordinated with Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway.

While Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned such recognition, warning that it could be used “as a launchpad to annihilate Israel,” the UK appears increasingly aligned with calls for a lasting, just peace in the region.