During his three‑day state visit to the UK—the first by an EU leader since Brexit—French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a powerful message to British leaders, urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognise the state of Palestine. Macron framed recognition as the “only path to peace,” stressing that bilateral support alongside France could galvanize urgent action for a two-state solution amid escalating tensions in Gaza.
Speaking before members of both Houses of Parliament in Westminster’s historic Royal Gallery, Macron also called for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, deeper UK‑France cooperation on Ukraine, migration, defense, and climate, and a reduction in reliance.
The plea comes as pressure mounts on the UK as France gets ready to co-chair a UN summit on Palestinian recognition in New York. Macron’s demand that Starmer align reflects the growing desire for action among British MPs and suggests a concerted Western push: One Labour backbencher said, “If we don’t act now, there won’t be any Palestine left to recognise.”
Macron maintains that recognition must be a component of a collective diplomatic dynamic, while Starmer has refrained from establishing a definitive timeline, noting the necessity for a “maximum impact” moment and continuous ceasefire progress. The invitation to recognise Palestine is a significant moment as the UK reassesses its post-Brexit global role.
