The UK government has rejected claims that recognising Palestine as a state could violate international law.
The response follows a letter from nearly 40 members of the House of Lords, including senior legal figures, raising concerns about Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge.
The peers, among them top barristers and former judges, argued that recognising Palestine in September, unless Israel takes meaningful action to end the crisis in Gaza, may breach the Montevideo Convention, a treaty from 1933 which outlines the criteria for statehood.
They said Palestine lacks a clearly defined territory, a single functioning government, and the ability to engage independently in international relations.
However, Minister for Small Business Gareth Thomas stated the UK is not a signatory to the Montevideo Convention and emphasised that state recognition is ultimately a political decision. He underlined that more than 140 countries worldwide have already recognised Palestine, signalling global support.
Thomas reaffirmed that the UK remains committed to a two-state solution and that the recognition of Palestine would proceed unless Israel demonstrates clear intent to halt violence in Gaza, allow humanitarian aid access, and abandon any plans for annexation in the West Bank.
International backing for Palestinian statehood continues to grow. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently indicated that Canada would also consider recognition, provided that the Palestinian Authority enacts reforms and holds democratic elections in 2026 excluding Hamas.
Despite this momentum, critics in the House of Lords, including Lord Pannick and other senior legal experts, insist that Palestine does not currently meet international criteria for sovereign recognition. Their letter argues that internal divisions between Hamas and Fatah, along with uncertain borders and governance, weaken the case for recognition.
Several prominent Jewish figures in Parliament, such as Baroness Deech and Lord Winston, also supported the letter, adding political weight to the legal concerns.
Israel has strongly opposed the UK’s position, claiming that it undermines efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and compromises negotiations for the release of hostages.
The UK government maintains that its approach remains consistent with international legal principles and long-standing diplomatic objectives aimed at peace in the Middle East.
