London: The Scottish National Party (SNP) has warned that it will introduce a bill in Parliament to force a vote on recognising a Palestinian state if Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to oppose immediate recognition.

The threat comes as international pressure grows on the UK to follow France’s lead. French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced that his country will formally recognise a Palestinian state at a UN meeting in September. If implemented, France would become the first G7 country to do so.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said, “Unless Keir Starmer stops blocking UK recognition of Palestine, the SNP will introduce a Palestine Recognition Bill when Parliament returns in September and force a vote if necessary.” He accused the prime minister of “defending the indefensible” and urged him to call for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Though the SNP holds just nine of the 650 seats in Parliament, its stance is supported by growing cross-party calls for recognition. On Friday, more than 220 MPs—including dozens from Starmer’s own Labour Party—signed a letter urging the UK government to act now.

Also read:Israeli airstrikes and gunfire kill 52 Palestinians in central and southern Gaza

What does recognising a Palestinian state mean?

Recognition of statehood is a formal declaration that a government or international body views a territory as a sovereign, independent country with legal rights under international law. For Palestine, this would mean the UK officially recognises it as a nation-state, separate from Israel, with the right to govern its own affairs and be represented in diplomatic institutions like the United Nations.

However, the UK—like many countries—has said such recognition should only come as part of a wider peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. Prime Minister Starmer has repeated this view, saying he supports Palestinian statehood “in principle” but not outside of a negotiated Middle East peace process.

Domestic and global pressure builds

Starmer is now under pressure from both sides. Critics argue that recognition is long overdue and could help end the war in Gaza, where conditions are worsening by the day. Supporters of Israel warn that unilateral recognition could undermine diplomatic efforts and reward Hamas, which continues to govern Gaza.

Downing Street said Starmer recently spoke with the leaders of France and Germany, and outlined plans to increase British humanitarian aid to Gaza, including air-dropping supplies and evacuating injured children.

With Parliament on summer break, any debate or vote would take place after MPs return in September—setting the stage for a politically charged confrontation over the future of UK foreign policy in the Middle East.