UK Cabinet Pressured To Recognize Palestine Ahead UN Gaza Conference

There is mounting pressure within the UK Labour Party and government for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to immediately recognize Palestinian statehood amid ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza that have resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths. Senior Labour figures, including Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, argue that recognizing Palestine now would demonstrate moral clarity, revive stalled peace negotiations, and reflect Britain's historical responsibilities linked to the Sykes-Picot Agreement. Nearly 60 Labour MPs support this call, urging the UK to act before an upcoming UN conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, where recognition of Palestine is expected to be a key topic. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis but has stopped short of committing to recognition, maintaining that it will happen at a moment of maximum impact alongside other Western countries. Internationally, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister reiterated his country's unwavering support for Palestinian statehood and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. French President Emmanuel Macron also emphasized that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace, underscoring the broader international consensus on the issue.