**UK Under Pressure to Recognize Palestinian Statehood**
The French government’s announcement that it will recognize Palestine as a sovereign state has put the UK under immense pressure to follow suit. President Emmanuel Macron’s decision, made ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in September, is seen as a bold move on the international stage.
For years, France had been waiting for the perfect moment to make this announcement. However, it was forced to postpone its plans after Israel and the US struck Iran’s nuclear facilities. The French government hopes that their recognition will generate diplomatic momentum and encourage other nations to join them in recognizing Palestine as a state.
Macron is particularly relying on the UK to follow his example. During his recent visit to Parliament, he told MPs and peers that working together with Britain to recognize Palestinian statehood was key to achieving peace in the region. A senior French diplomat has said that if France and the UK worked together, it would convince more countries to join because “two parent members of UNSC show we mean business.”
However, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure from his own MPs to recognize Palestinian statehood. The decision to do so has moved from the diplomatic to the political sphere, with many officials arguing that this could be a lever to help get a deal done.
**A Risky Move**
The UK’s reluctance to recognize Palestinian statehood is partly due to its tradition of not wanting to upset the US and Israel. Both countries are strongly opposed to this idea, believing it to be a reward for terrorist acts. The UK has also been hesitant in investing too much support into an unreformed Palestinian Authority.
By stalling on recognition, the British government may risk votes and revolts in Parliament if it does not follow France’s example. One official told me that this could be the next big issue for a Labour backbench rebellion, after welfare reform.
**A Symbolic Action**
David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has said that recognizing Palestinian statehood is a symbolic action that doesn’t guarantee two states. He pointed out that no country can veto UK decisions and that we decide when and how to recognize.
Despite this, the pressure on the British government to act continues to build. Former diplomats and coalitions are writing joint letters to Downing Street, and even Cabinet Ministers like Wes Streeting are getting involved in the debate.
**A Turning Point?**
The French decision may be a turning point in the Palestinian issue. More than 140 countries have recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, with Ireland joining them last year. However, it’s still unclear how much this will change the reality for Gazans in the short-term.
As the UK government weighs its options, one thing is certain: the decision to recognize Palestinian statehood has moved from the diplomatic to the political sphere, and all eyes are on Westminster.
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