UK PM Under Pressure To Immediately Recognise Palestinian Statehood

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) LONDON, July 25 (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing pressure to immediately recognise Palestinian statehood after France made a commitment to do so within months and a group of about 125 MPs called on the prime minister to do the same.
Labour and Lib Dem MPs on the foreign affairs committee argued that statehood is an "inalienable right" that should "not be made conditional".
But their two Tory colleagues said it should only happen as part of a long-term political solution to the conflict in the Middle East, echoing the Labour government's position.
Sir Keir is due to hold an emergency call with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz later today, amid warnings of mass starvation in Gaza.
In a statement on Thursday evening, condemning "unspeakable and indefensible" conditions in Gaza, Sir Keir said statehood was an "inalienable right".
He reiterated his call for a ceasefire in the conflict, adding this would "put us on a path" towards recognising a Palestinian state.
He has previously said the UK should reserve recognition for when it would have the "greatest impact" - without specifying when this would be.
Most countries - about 139 in all - formally recognise a Palestinian state, although many European nations and the United States say they will only do so as part of moves towards a long-term resolution to the conflict.
Spain, Ireland and Norway formally took the step last year, hoping to exert diplomatic pressure to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. (end)
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