Political Pressures Behind Starmer's Announcement To Recognise Palestine

30th July 2025

Keir Starmer's announcement to recognise Palestine has been influenced, at least in part, by the emergence of Jeremy Corbyn's new left-wing party and its strong pro-Palestinian stance.

Starmer's decision wasn't made in a vacuum. It's the result of mounting pressure from multiple directions:

Corbyn’s New Party
Jeremy Corbyn and allies like Zarah Sultana have launched a new party that places support for Palestine at the heart of its platform. This has created a clear challenge to Labour from the left, especially among voters disillusioned with Starmer’s cautious approach2.

Massive Sign-Ups
The new party has reportedly seen a surge in support, which adds urgency for Labour to reclaim its progressive credentials on foreign policy.

Internal Labour Pressure
Over 100 Labour MPs signed a letter urging immediate recognition of Palestine. Senior cabinet members like Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood, and Wes Streeting have also pushed for action4.

International Influence: France’s President Emmanuel Macron recently announced recognition of Palestine, prompting Starmer to align with European partners in the E3 group (UK, France, Germany)4.

Public Sentiment
Polls show that a significant portion of the British public supports recognition, especially in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Strategic Calculations
Starmer’s move is conditional: recognition will occur in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and other peace measures. This suggests it’s not just a moral stance but a diplomatic tool to pressure Israel and Hamas5.

Domestic vs Diplomatic Motives
While Starmer frames the decision as part of a broader peace effort, it’s clear that domestic political calculations—especially the threat from Corbyn’s new party—played a role. As one analysis put it, Starmer may be "respected abroad but losing control at home".

First Minister John Swinney
First Minister John Swinney has responded to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that the UK intends to recognise the State of Palestine. The First Minister said:

"Having called on the UK Government to recognise the State of Palestine, I welcome the intent behind this announcement. However, recognition of a Palestinian state should be irreversible. Recognition must not be conditional and must be backed by sanctions against Israel if the violence continues.

"Israel must today agree to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to flow in much more volume to address the starvation being faced in Gaza.

"A two-state solution is the only way that the Palestinian and Israeli peoples can have a future, living side-by-side in peace and security. The Palestinian people deserve no less.

"This announcement comes on the day that the number of deaths reported passed 60,000, a truly horrific milestone that shames us all. The Israeli government must commit to end the killing and comply with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes. We must see the unconditional release of all hostages."

PM words on Gaza: 29 July 2025
On the 7th of October 2023 Hamas perpetrated the worst massacre in Israel’s history.

Every day since then, the horror has continued.

The hostages are still being held today.

The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering.

Now, in Gaza because of a catastrophic failure of aid, we see starving babies, children too weak to stand: Images that will stay with us for a lifetime.

The suffering must end.

Yesterday I discussed this with President Trump.

And we are mounting a major effort to get humanitarian supplies back in.

By air, and UK aid has been air dropped into Gaza today.

And - crucially – by land.

We need to see at least 500 trucks entering Gaza every day.

But ultimately – the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement.

So we are supporting the US, Egyptian and Qatari efforts to secure a vital ceasefire.

That ceasefire must be sustainable and it must lead to a wider peace plan, which we are developing with our international partners.

This plan will deliver security and proper governance in Gaza and pave the way for negotiations on a Two State Solution.

Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. But right now – that goal is under pressure like never before.

I’ve always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the Two State Solution.

With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.

So today – as part of this process towards peace I can confirm the UK will recognise the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a Two State Solution.

And this includes allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, our message to the terrorists of Hamas is unchanged and unequivocal.

They must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.

We will make an assessment in September on how far the parties have met these steps.

But no one should have a veto on our decision.

So this is the way forward. We will keep working with all our international partners to end the suffering, get aid flooding into Gaza and deliver a more stable future for the Middle East.

Because I know that is what the British people desperately want to see.