Key questions How will the decision be seen within Labour and by the public?

The UK’s recognition of Palestine is deeply symbolic on the world stage and a significant political step for the Labour government at home. The announcement followed mounting pressure on Keir Starmer from within Labour and beyond.

- Pippa Crerar Political editor

How will the decision be met within the Labour party?

The Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 were met with horror across the political spectrum. Shortly afterwards, concern began to mount around the scale of Israel’s response. As the death toll rose and the situation in Gaza worsened, internal pressure on Starmer increased.

The government had disappointed many on its own side by saying recognition would happen only as part of a negotiated peace deal. By July this year, more than 100 Labour MPs had signed a cross-party letter, led by the Rotherham MP Sarah Champion, calling for the government to formally acknowledge Palestine immediately.

As global outcry grew, cabinet ministers were privately urging the prime minister to act. They included his then deputy, Angela Rayner, and the current foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper. The health secretary, Wes Streeting, told MPs he wanted recognition “while there’s still a state of Palestine left to recognise”.