AhlulBayt News Agency: Dozens of mosques and Muslim organizations across the United Kingdom have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognize the state of Palestine. Their call follows a recent shift in the UK’s diplomatic stance toward Israel.
In a joint letter sent on Thursday, the signatories welcomed the suspension of UK-Israel free trade negotiations, which was announced earlier in the week by Foreign Secretary David Lammy. On Tuesday, Lammy confirmed in Parliament that the government had summoned the Israeli ambassador to London and halted ongoing trade discussions. He cited concerns over Israel’s military operations and humanitarian restrictions in Gaza.
Faith-based institutions, including the Association of Muslim Scholars in Great Britain, the London Central Mosque Trust, and the Islamic Academy of Manchester, expressed support for the government’s move. However, they stressed that it did not go far enough.
In the letter, the signatories stated their deep concern over the UK Government’s failure to act decisively. They argued that the absence of meaningful diplomatic or humanitarian intervention, along with continued material support to Israel, undermines the UK's stated commitment to international law, justice, and human rights.
The letter urges Starmer’s administration to push for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all captives, and an end to the Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories.
Additionally, it calls for formal recognition of Palestinian statehood in accordance with international consensus and United Nations resolutions. The signatories also demand the suspension of arms exports to Israel.
Framing their appeal as a moral obligation, the signatories emphasized their commitment to ending decades of injustice and displacement in Palestine. They stated that, as civic and faith-based institutions rooted in conscience and compassion, they believe it is their shared duty to advocate for Palestinian rights.
Their appeal adds to growing domestic and international pressure on the UK to take more assertive action on the Israel-Palestine conflict. In late April, Lammy revealed that the UK was engaged in discussions with France and Saudi Arabia about potentially recognizing a Palestinian state. This move is reportedly under consideration ahead of a United Nations conference on the two-state solution next month.
During his remarks in Parliament, Lammy criticized the Israeli government’s actions and rhetoric, describing its conduct as incompatible with the principles that underpin the UK’s bilateral relationship.
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