A group of senior lawyers has written to the UK government’s most senior legal adviser, Lord Hermer, claiming that Keir Starmer’s pledge to recognise Palestine risks breaking international law. The lawyers cite the Montevideo Convention, a 1933 treaty that sets out four criteria for statehood.
The Montevideo Convention defines a state as having a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Critics argue that Palestine does not meet these criteria, particularly regarding effective governance and territorial control.
However, legal experts note that the convention is not universally binding and many states recognise Palestine despite these concerns. The UK government has not yet set a timeline for recognition, and the debate continues over whether the Montevideo Convention poses a legal obstacle.
