Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure from his own MPs, who are demanding the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. The rebellion threatens to destabilise party unity as tensions over Middle East policy escalate.
Growing Dissent Within Labour
More than a dozen Labour MPs have signed a letter urging Starmer to commit to recognising Palestine as an independent state without delay. The move comes amid increasing frustration over the party’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"The time for vague promises is over," said one backbencher. "We need concrete action to support Palestinian rights."
Starmer’s Balancing Act
Starmer has previously stated that recognition should come as part of a negotiated peace process, rather than unilaterally. However, critics argue this position is too cautious and fails to address ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank.
Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also faced scrutiny, with some MPs accusing him of toeing the government line rather than advocating for Palestinian self-determination.
Political Fallout
The internal rift could prove damaging for Labour, particularly in constituencies with large Muslim populations where support for Palestinian statehood is strong. With a general election looming, Starmer must navigate the delicate balance between party cohesion and foreign policy credibility.
Meanwhile, Conservative ministers have seized on the discord, accusing Labour of being "divided and weak" on international affairs.
