A significant group of 40 prominent lawyers from the House of Lords has cautioned Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer regarding his commitment to acknowledging a Palestinian state, suggesting that such recognition could breach international law. The attorneys, which include respected legal voices like Lord Pannick KC and several former government ministers, argue that the situation of Palestinian statehood does not satisfy the requirements outlined in the Montevideo Convention of 1933, which states that to be recognized as a state, an entity must exhibit a permanent population, a defined territory, a functioning government, and the ability to engage in international relations.
In their letter to Lord Hermer, the attorney-general, the peers emphasized that recognizing Palestine could contradict the UK government’s policy of upholding international law, which they claim has been central to the current government’s foreign policy direction. They raised questions about the uncertainty of Palestinian borders and the lack of a unified government, and also noted that any statehood recognition for Palestinians would complicate the status of those designated as refugees in the region.
Despite these legal concerns, Starmer has been increasingly pressured from within the Labour Party, with over 250 MPs urging the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Starmer has voiced that his approach is rooted in seeking a viable two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, insisting that such recognition would not be merely symbolic, but rather a strategic step towards achieving meaningful change on the ground.
Amidst this political backdrop, the conversation around international relations and existing geopolitical tensions continues to develop. For instance, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also indicated Canada’s conditional support for Palestinian statehood, pending democratic reforms, which adds another layer of complexity to the issue.
The British government now faces a crossroads as it navigates international law, domestic policy demands, and the broader implications of its foreign policy approach to the Middle East. Starmer’s ambition for Palestine’s statehood recognition is framed as part of a diplomatic effort, yet it has also drawn criticism from various political factions and community leaders, suggesting a contentious road ahead.