27 May 2025

In a letter sent this week to the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has called on the UK Government to take a principled and overdue step by formally recognising the State of Palestine ahead of the upcoming UN Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine in New York on 17 June.

The conference presents a pivotal moment to for the UK to seize the opportunity to demonstrate global leadership and to help restore balance in a decades-long, deeply asymmetrical conflict. Hanna previously sponsored a private members bill in 2021 calling for statehood recognition.

The South Belfast & Mid Down MP said:

“For too long, the UK Government has supported the idea of a two-state solution in word, while falling short in deed. Recognition of Palestine is not a radical step, but it is now a necessary one. It affirms the equal rights of both peoples and lays the foundation for meaningful negotiations based on parity and international law.

“The escalating and horrific violence in Gaza, compounded by the Israeli government's cruel blockade of humanitarian aid, water restrictions, and inflammatory rhetoric from senior officials, exceeds any credible security justification. We are well past the point of mere expressions of concern.

“Rhetoric alone will not save lives or secure peace, and recognition of Palestine is a tangible, lawful step the UK can take to protect human rights, strengthen moderate voices, and reaffirm our commitment to international justice. It is a long-overdue acknowledgement of the Palestinian people’s right to exist in freedom and dignity.”