UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Energy Secretary Ed Miliband backs growing calls for Britain to formally recognise Palestine amid mounting pressure over the UK’s stance on the Gaza conflict.
As reported by The Telegraph, Ed Miliband has joined a growing number of senior figures pushing for the UK to recognise Palestine.
The Energy Secretary is among senior MPs urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to act swiftly on recognising Palestine. As Labour leader in 2014, he supported Palestine and voted in favour of its recognition.
The following Cabinet ministers are urging Keir Starmer to recognise Palestine:
- Ed Miliband – Energy Secretary
- Angela Rayner – Deputy Prime Minister
- Wes Streeting – Health Secretary
- Lisa Nandy – Culture Secretary
What will Starmer’s recognition plan for Palestine include?
Keir Starmer will chair an emergency Cabinet meeting on Gaza today, before revealing his plans for recognising Palestinian statehood later this week.
His move comes after French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France will recognise Palestinian statehood by September. A third of Mr Starmer’s Cabinet backs immediate recognition of Palestine.
Cabinet pressure is rising ahead of the Prime Minister’s detailed plan to recognise Palestinian statehood. However, formal recognition is expected to be linked to a ceasefire and the potential release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
Top officials are set to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday, breaking the summer recess to tackle the worsening crisis in Gaza.
During his visit to Scotland, where he met Donald Trump, Sir Keir said images from Gaza had caused “widespread revulsion” among the British people.
Labour leader Keir Starmer said on Friday that recognising Palestine is key to lasting peace. He is also joining urgent talks, led by Jordan, to look at airdropping aid into Gaza, where hunger is getting worse.
MPs’ letter to David Lammy about recognising Palestine
In a letter to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, 221 MPs from nine parties have urged him to formally announce UK recognition of Palestine at the upcoming UN conference in New York.
The MPs stated,
“Whilst we appreciate the UK does not have it in its power to bring about a free and independent Palestine, UK recognition would have a significant impact due to our historic connections and our membership on the UN Security Council.”
They added,
“British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine. Since 1980, we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people under that mandate.”
What did Peter Kyle say about recognising a Palestinian state?
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle says the UK supports the idea of a Palestinian state, despite growing pressure from MPs and campaigners.
He said,
“We want Palestinian statehood. We desire it, and we want to make sure the circumstances can exist where that kind of long-term political solution can have the space to evolve and make sure that it can become a permanent circumstance that can bring peace to the entire region.”
Mr Kyle added,
“But right now, today, we’ve got to focus on what will ease the suffering, and it is extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza that has to be the priority for us today.”
How is Trump’s stance influencing Starmer’s Palestine decision?
Donald Trump has removed a major diplomatic barrier to Britain recognising a Palestinian state, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer prepares to discuss the matter at a critical cabinet meeting this week.
Mr Trump stated,
“I’m not going to take a position, I don’t mind him [Starmer] taking a position. I’m looking for getting people fed right now.”
A Number 10 spokesperson said,
“The prime minister welcomed the president’s efforts to secure this, and shared the plans he is working on with other European leaders to bring about a lasting peace.”
Mr Starmer stated,
“It’s an absolute catastrophe [in Gaza]. Nobody wants to see that. And I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they’re seeing on their screens. So we’ve got to get to that ceasefire,”
Adding,
“Thank you, Mr President, for leading on that, and also to just get more and more aid in. And again, America has done a lot on this.”