Nearly 60 Labour MPs have called on the UK government to recognise Palestine immediately, following alarming statements by Israel’s defence minister regarding the forced relocation of Gaza residents to a camp in the devastated city of Rafah.
In a letter sent Thursday to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the MPs warned of what they described as the ethnic cleansing of Gaza, urging the UK to take stronger action, including recognition of Palestinian statehood. The signatories span both centrist and left-wing factions of the Labour Party.
The demand comes days after French President Emmanuel Macron made a similar call during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Macron emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire and the need to work toward Palestinian statehood, stating: “Working together to recognise the state of Palestine and to initiate this political momentum is the only path to peace.”
MPs Condemn Israeli Defence Plans for Rafah
The letter refers to Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s recent declaration to move all Palestinian civilians in Gaza into a camp on the ruins of Rafah — without exit options. Prominent Israeli human rights lawyer Michael Sfard condemned the move as “an operational plan for crimes against humanity.”
The MPs wrote, “The ethnic cleansing of Gaza is not a possibility. It is being implemented before our eyes.”
Five Demands for Immediate UK Action
The letter outlines five actions the UK should take. While some are already in motion — such as funding UNRWA and working to free hostages held by Hamas — others are more politically sensitive. These include:
• Imposing a trade blockade on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank
• Immediate recognition of the State of Palestine
The MPs argued that continuing to delay statehood recognition undermines Britain’s stated commitment to a two-state solution. “By not recognising [Palestine] as a state, we set an expectation that the status quo can continue and see the effective erasure and annexation of Palestinian territory,” they said.
Foreign Office Maintains Cautious Approach
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office reiterated the UK’s support for a two-state solution but clarified that Palestine would be recognised “at the point of maximum impact” to support a peace process. No timeframe or criteria were provided.
France, which has not yet officially recognised Palestine, has recently increased pressure on the UK and other allies to act collectively. Several European countries, including Spain and Ireland, have already taken that step.
Growing Momentum Within Labour
This latest letter, signed by 59 MPs, was coordinated by Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East. Key signatories include Sarah Owen and Andrew Pakes, who co-chair the group, as well as senior MPs such as Liam Byrne, Stella Creasy, Clive Lewis, Diane Abbott, and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi.
It marks the first public sign-on letter on this issue by Labour MPs, signalling growing pressure within the party for a more assertive stance.
The Foreign Office has yet to provide further comment.
