UK faces pressure to recognise Palestine amid French-led diplomatic push

The UK Foreign Office is under mounting pressure from Labour MPs to recognise a Palestinian state, especially as French President Emmanuel Macron moves to lead an international recognition effort at a June conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia at the UN in New York.

Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, stressed that the UK should act in coordination with allies like France, warning that without swift action, “there would be no Palestine left to recognise", Caliber.Az reports via British media.

Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU), echoed the call, stating the move was long overdue and that recognition by two UN Security Council members would carry global weight. He also warned of Israel’s continued annexation of the West Bank, calling for urgent steps before it's too late. The CAABU enjoys broad support among Labour MPs, many of whom are angered by Israel’s actions in Gaza and a recent ban on two Labour MPs from entering the West Bank.

The UK’s current policy is to recognise Palestine when it can make the greatest impact. However, former foreign secretary David Cameron previously indicated that recognition does not have to come at the conclusion of a peace process, adding that Israel should not have veto power over Britain’s decision.

Macron’s recent remarks surprised observers. He stated, “We must move toward recognition [of the Palestinian state] and so, in the coming months, we will.” He said France seeks a joint approach with Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and aims to build a pathway toward mutual recognition of both Palestine and Israel.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has accused Israel of genocide, maintains that Riyadh would only recognise Israel within a broader deal that guarantees an irreversible path toward Palestinian statehood.

Although Macron's move risks straining relations with Israel and the US, strong personal ties between UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and Macron could complicate any British attempt to resist a unified European-Gulf initiative. France notably did not join Spain, Ireland, and Norway in recognising Palestine during a UN vote in May 2024. Currently, 148 of 193 UN member states have recognised Palestinian statehood, but no G20 Western country has done so.

The Israeli Knesset recently voted against a two-state solution, though opposition leader Yair Lapid still sees a possible future path without Hamas in a Palestinian government. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned unilateral recognition as “a reward for terror.”

Macron, responding to backlash, reaffirmed France’s stance via Hebrew on X, calling for peace, security for Israel, and a Palestinian state without Hamas. He emphasised the need for a sustainable ceasefire, hostage release, humanitarian access, and a political resolution.

“The June conference must be decisive,” Macron said. “I am doing everything I can, alongside our partners, to achieve this goal of peace.”

Meanwhile, in the US, the Senate confirmed Trump ally Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel, despite concerns over his pro-annexation views. Huckabee referred to the West Bank using its biblical names, “Judea and Samaria”, and defended Trump against allegations of supporting the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

By Tamilla Hasanova