A British Party Threatens Parliamentary Vote to Recognize Palestine if Starmer Continues His Refusal

SadaNews - An opposing party in the British parliament threatened today, Sunday, to introduce a bill to recognize a Palestinian state and "force a vote" on it if Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to reject this step.

The Scottish National Party, which advocates for Scottish independence, announced that it would present a "bill to recognize Palestine" when the parliament reconvenes after the summer recess if Starmer does not change his position.

The British Prime Minister had pledged to recognize a Palestinian state but emphasized that this must be part of the peace process in the Middle East.

This threat from the Scottish National Party comes after more than 220 British MPs, including dozens from the ruling Labour Party led by Starmer, demanded on Friday that the government follow France's lead and recognize a Palestinian state.

This call came less than 24 hours after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country would officially recognize a Palestinian state at a United Nations meeting in September.

The leader of the Scottish National Party in parliament, Stephen Flynn, stated that the party "will present a bill to recognize Palestine when parliament returns in September and will force a vote on it if necessary."

He added, "Keir Starmer must stop defending the indefensible and find the courage to demand that Israel end its war now."

If France officially recognizes a Palestinian state, it will be the first country within the Group of Seven and the most powerful European country to take this step so far.

Starmer has faced increasing domestic and international pressure regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state, amid rising opposition to the genocidal war on Gaza, where Israel is using starvation as a weapon against civilians.

His office stated that he spoke on Saturday to his French and German counterparts, outlining Britain's plans to drop humanitarian aid into Gaza and evacuate sick and injured children.

The Scottish National Party holds nine seats in the 650-seat British parliament.