29 July 2025 

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said that Prime Minister Keir Starmer needs to stop dragging his feet when it comes to recognition of the Palestinian state, as a signal of urgency on food aid.

The PM has announced he will move towards official recognition in September unless certain conditions are met by Israel.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said:

“This pronouncement by the Prime Minister is completely at odds with the scale and pace of what is unfolding in Gaza. Israel’s Government have shown themselves to be bad-faith actors who have driven a wrecking ball through international law, while bombing and starving innocent civilians. To give them control over whether or not the UK recognises a Palestinian state is irrational and insulting.

“Netanyahu’s murderous regime will take little notice of this deadline, as they have with other weak responses from the UK Government. People are crying out for a strong response from world leaders to the unimaginable horror of what is happening in Gaza and yet again they have been failed.

“Recognising the state of Palestine would be a powerful symbol from the UK Prime Minister that Israel will no longer be allowed to ride roughshod, but what we really need is a strong response that ends the genocide, gets much needed aid to Gaza to prevent famine and sees the release of hostages.

“Every day we are being greeted with the most horrifying images imaginable – starving children and people whose whole world has been reduced to rubble – those are the people who have managed to avoid bombs and bullets.”